High School · school after Year 10 and before they receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC). The RoSA is designed to record and credit all of a secondary school student’s

Cnr Deakin & Stanford Streets, Kurri Kurri NSW 2327 P: 4937 1877 W: http//www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/ 1

Newsletter Term 1 2018

Important DatesMarch 26 Year 12 Formal Dominoes

Doughraiser fundraiserMarch 27 Year 7 ImmunisationsMarch 27 P&C Meeting 5pmMarch 29 Vivo Bronze Morning TeaMarch 30 Good Friday Public HolidayApril 2 Easter Monday Public

HolidayApril 11 Youth Week Big Breakfast

8am - 9amApril 12 MADD NightApril 13 END OF TERM 1April 30 Staff Development DayMay 1 TERM 2

BEGINS FOR STUDENTSMay 15-17 NAPLAN testing Yrs 7&9May 18 Athletics CarnivalMay 22 P&C Meeting 5pmMay 23 - 25

Year 7 Camp

June 11 Queens Birthday Public Holiday

For full event details, please refer to the school calendar on the website

KURRI KURRIH i g h S c h o o lExcellence Respect Safety

Welcome to another exciting year as a member of our Kurri Kurri High School Community. This year we have big plans to make learning exciting and fun. This includes a rethink of the way that we deliver the curriculum to Stage 5. Stage 4 are learning in ‘hubs’ and have embraced the BYOD structure of learning with over 78% of students bringing their own computer to school everyday. Most of the work this year will be devoured over CANVAS, our new learning management system. Mr Rennex has been working hard to make laptops available to those who need financial support with our borrowing system for ‘day loan’. This has a 100% take up.

Our new front of school project is almost complete. This work was delivered by the Department of Education as part of the Secondary School Renewal Project. The Department worked with the school to make the landscaping and front of school more appealing. They have a few things to finalise, but we have the handover of the school office and new foyer. Many of you have complimented the new look. Our Canopy at the front of the school gives us a nice statement in the streetscape.

We have had 104 rooms repainted and many re-carpeted. Three buildings are also due to have the roof replaced. This work is part of the infrastructure work of the Department. The rooms look fantastic and students have appreciated the work of the school to make their learning spaces more appealing. We have also cut out the walls in the top corridor to create 4 rooms as flexible learning spaces. These spaces are being used by ‘hubs’ in Year 8 and also by some senior classes. They are fresh and open spaces with a lot of natural light.

This year we have a focus on attendance. Mr Chris English joins us as a new Head Teacher to work with the engagement and attendance of students. We know from all our research that attendance correlates with solid educational

outcomes and transfers into a better life at work. We expect that our students are at school everyday that school is open. They should only be home when they are really sick. They will go to work with only 5 days off a year. Please help us in this work in making sure they are at school everyday on time.

We will be asking parents to come along to a number of parent learning groups this year. We would like to show you how to access your child’s progress and their work online. Mr Rennex will be running some of these afternoons. If you are interested in attending, can you call the front office and register your interest with Peta Smith. Details will be sent out via FaceBook and the School App.

Our new Studio School has started. Mr Buswell has been working hard with 24 students who are transitioning to the workplace. This group will work to develop skills for the workplace in an alternative learning space. They will leave our school with a Record of School Achievement. Spaces may be available as the year progresses. If your child is looking for an alternate pathway please contact Mr Buzz directly on the school number.

I am looking forward to working with you in our continued partnership for the year. Our young people are the key to the future. We are not here to look at it, we are here to create it.

From the Principal - Mrs Tracey Breese

Term 1 Newsletter 2018


Welcome back to another school year. This year I will be managing and supervising the wellbeing needs of Years 7 and 10 students. I am looking forward to working closely with our new year 7 students and their carers. It is my hope that we continue to build strong relationship throughout 2018 so that all our students achieve their personal best.

Year 10 is a very significant year in a student’s education as students continue working towards attaining their The Record of School Achievement (RoSA). The RoSA is the credential for students who leave school after Year 10 and before they receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC).

The RoSA is designed to record and credit all of a secondary school student’s academic results up until the HSC.

• The RoSA will detail grades for courses a student completes right up until the time they leave school.

• If a student leaves school before receiving a grade in Year 11 or Year 12 courses, their RoSA will record the courses they commenced.

• This measure acknowledges the fact that some students begin senior secondary study but then leave school for employment or other training opportunities before receiving their HSC.

For performance grades to be awarded, students are required to complete formal assessment tasks throughout the year. If a student does not complete an assessment task an official warning letter will be issued. Students are given a chance to complete the task to correct the problem.

For satisfactory completion of a course, the Board of Studies Teaching and Educational Standards(BOSTES) requires students to apply themselves with diligence and sustained effort to the set tasks and experiences provided in the course. The Principal must advise BOSTES if as student has not satisfactorily meet course requirements.

If your son or daughter is having any difficulties completing or meeting course requirements please ring me as soon as possible so that we can devise a learning support plan. I look forward to another very successful year with our students.

In 2018 I also manage the curriculum needs of Years 11 and 12 students. This year brings for Year 12 students, many challenges. These challenges include;

• consolidation of previous learning in preparation for the Trial HSC,

• continued pressure to maintain enthusiasm and commitment leading up to the HSC

• consistent home revision and study

• planning for 2019.

I urge all Stage 6 students to use the resources of the Learning Centre to assist them successfully undertake their senior studies.

As always, I am here to assist and support students, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deputy Principal Report Years 7 & 10 - Mrs Glasson

http://www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au



A warm welcome back to all students and their parents / carers to the 2018 school year. The year has started with some extremely positive events for all students and Year 9 and 12 have made an extremely positive start to their studies.

Year 9 have a great year to look forward to and Ms Knox and I are very excited to lead the way with these students. All students in the school participated in Motivational Media this term, emphasising the importance of setting goals and working hard to strive for personal excellence. Students have also been working hard within all subjects and in small groups with Mrs O’Halloran in preparation for their Year 9 NAPLAN testing. These tests will take place in Term 2 on 15th, 16th and 17th May; more information will definitely be on the way from Mrs Weir. It is extremely important that all students in year 9 participate to the best of their ability to ensure that they are achieving the best possible results in these tests. Finally, year 9 have the exciting prospect of their Year 9 camp coming up, which is always a fantastic experience for staff and students. Ms Knox has moved the date of this camp until Term 3 to ensure that as many students as possible have the opportunity to attend. Payment is now being accepted at the office, with payment plans available. Please see Ms Knox if you require more information about these options.

Year 12 have also made an extremely positive start to their final year at Kurri Kurri High School. On day one, I reminded students about the importance of seizing every opportunity during this time and making sure that all their education enables them to have positive opportunities after school. These students participated in Year 12 Motivational Media where presenters urged students to make positive choices that will have long lasting impacts. This is a sentiment that is supported within Kurri Kurri High School with our Senior Study Centre. This space is staffed with the fantastic Ms Flanagan and Mrs Field, who can offer students so much support in preparation of study notes, effective study techniques and the completion of assessment tasks. The pair are also ensuring that

all students have completed assessment tasks and that they have no outstanding tasks. This space is available before and after school for all students to utilise.

On a personal note, we recently hosted our 7th Annual Business Event. As I coordinated the first event and have been heavily involved every year, I would like to firstly congratulate our student ambassadors for the fantastic job they do in running the whole event: Angus Lathan, Rhys Field, Georgia Dembeck and Olivia Boyles represented Year 12, Jack Benic, Sam Grills, Lara Comerford and Ebony Holmes represented Year 11 and our new Ambassadors for Year 10 were absolutely incredible: Jack Eades, Luke Trotnar, Thomas Reading, Brianna Hall, Hannah Elsley and Toneisha Gear. Cooper Cliff also represented our Junior AECG. These students did a great job representing our school at such a large event and definitely made me extremely proud of the work they do each year. Also requiring a special mention are Heather Sutherland for all of her extremely hard work in coordinating this event from start to finish and continuing to go above and beyond for the students of KKHS, and also to Ms Knox and the amazing hospitality students who catered the whole event and served our guests demonstrating all the school values of Respect, Excellence and Safety. A massive well done to all involved!

Finally, I would like to remind all students and parents as we approach the colder months that school uniform is expected every single day. There is a new school jumper coming to support students in wearing school uniform throughout winter. If any student requires support with school uniform then please contact the front office.

These students did a great job representing our school at such a large event and definitely made me extremely proud

Deputy Principal Report Years 9 & 12 - Mr Hope




This term QUEST have been investigating and assessing the liveability of places in Polynesia and Australia. This topic allows students to examine the liveability of a community and make connections between the case study and their experiences in their own community. To understand what factors contribute to the identity of the Kurri Kurri community and responding to student input, students were given the opportunity to participate in a walking tour of Kurri and to hear a guided talk on the murals located in and around the main street. Students were surprised to learn that there are now close to 65 murals in the local area and had a fun time trying to spot the kookaburra in the ones we visited. Students were also surprised to come across a tour bus of overseas visitors also completing the mural walk

emphasising the importance of the local community in a global setting. Having local experts willing to give up their time to impart their knowledge of the past that shaped the murals was certainly a bonus and we appreciated their enthusiasm in sharing their information with us.

Year 8 QUEST - Ms Somerville

Deputy Principal Report Years 8 & 11 - Mrs Pratt

The Year 8 hubs have settled into their learning in 2018. In Quest it has been incredible to see the students start their writing and developing their skills in completing extended paragraphs, whilst improving their ability to write in an academic voice. The use of Canvas by staff to review students’ drafts and provide detailed, ongoing feedback has certainly ensured that student’s work has improved, and they are regularly being challenged to ask “is this my best work...yet?”

In STEM, we are seeing the development of some budding Scientists. Silver hub were very successful in an investigation where they were required to separate a variety of substances. This was an open ended Science Practicum with students using their knowledge of the properties of their substances and selecting the correct equipment to complete the required task. (And the brand new carpet in their room survived!!). At the beginning of the year in Lifestyle we have seen Year 8 completing team building and trust activities, as well as enjoying some exercise (not always given the heat!) within some modified games.

From a social perspective, we still have some students who aren’t treating other people with respect. Clearly we don’t expect everyone to be best mates but it is important to treat others with respect and to seek support from staff; such as Mrs Stewart, Mr Rumball and Ms Phillips to help resolve conflicts if they arise. As a school, we seek to support students to resolve their conflicts and provide them with strategies through the Wellbeing team that will support them for their whole lives where we can.

Our new Head Teacher Engagement Mr English, has started to have conversations with different families around attendance. Success at school is very closely linked to attendance and it is really important that families work with us to ensure that all absences are explained, and where there is an ongoing issue that will effect attendance, that we are informed.

This is particularly important for Year 11 as they move through their Preliminary year. Whilst there are clearly Board of Studies rules we need to adhere to, the school is willing to provide support if it’s needed and add a layer of flexibility where we can. The students from the Studio School have really been having a positive experience of school, and have responded well to the flexibility and individual support this program offers. There have been some successes, with some students gaining work or contacts for the future. They have more detailed news later in the newsletter.

Working to understand what factors contribute to the identity of the Kurri Kurri community




Business Lunch

We are so very fortunate at our school to be located in a community where businesses and community members alike give so much. Recently we held our 7th annual Business Event, this year a lunch with a focus on Positive Pathways, to recognise, thank and acknowledge these people.

Ms Knox led a team of senior Hospitality students to cater for the lunch. With thanks to Coles Kurri Kurri and the Kurri Bread Basket, they created an impressive buffet of cold cuts, quiches and salads, receiving praise all round for the quality of the food and professionalism of our students.

The entire event is student driven. Our hosts on the day were our Student Ambassadors, students in Year’s 7- 12 chosen to represent our school at various occasions, who spoke about all the ways in which we work with business people, community organisations, sports men and women plus an array of specialist individuals throughout our school. These visitors into our classrooms provide a whole new perspective on learning which is invaluable.

This point was reiterated by Telstra’s Corporate Affairs Manager for NSW John Hewitt. John spoke about their foundation to help bring technology into schools, in particular their donation of robots and robot making kits that they donated to KKHS in 2017. Students from Year 9 were busy demonstrating how these kits work while John explained how Telstra is recognising the need to prepare for change and the need to build new skills and that all this begins with our young people.

Technology is one pathway we are offering in our school but so too is the pathway of looking outside the classroom. Year 12 student and School Captain, Angus Lathan and his employer Tony Morris at Conveyancing Services spoke about the benefits of the School Based Traineeship in Business Services that Angus is undertaking alongside his HSC, giving Angus Certificate III qualifications as well as an ATAR.

To round out the lunch and the theme of positive pathways, our final speakers were students from our Studio School, who spoke about this new avenue being offered to senior students who don’t want an ATAR and the positive impact it is already having on the participants.

P& C AssociationNext Meeting

Tuesday, March 27th, 5pmIn the Study Centre next to the Museum off Deakin Street

All welcome.




We are trying something different this year to commemorate ANZAC Day. Year 9 History classes, who have been studying a topic on Australians at War, will be coordinating the collection, assembly and dispatch of care packages to be sent to our deployed troops as a sign of our gratitude for their service to Australia and Australians.

We are asking that parents, carers, students and community members send in some items in accordance with the guidelines below so that our Year 9 students can package up the boxes and send them off to our troops for delivery in time for ANZAC Day.

To show their appreciation to the men and women who are risking their own lives to keep us safe, Year 9 students will also be writing letters of thanks in the coming weeks to Australian’s who are on active duty. These letters will also be included in the care packages to add a personal touch and show members of the Australian Defence Force that the community of Kurri Kurri hold them in the highest regard.

If you would like to assist our students in showing their appreciation to our servicemen and women please send in a donation to the front office or HSIE staffroom by Friday 6th April 2018. Some ideas of what you might like to donate are listed below.

What can be included in Care Packages?

Suggestions of what you might like to include:

Toiletries:

• Deodorant (non aerosol)• Shaving cream (non aerosol)• Small bottle of talcum powder• Disposable razors (from Brother Shave)• Shower Gel• Lip Balm•

Food:

• Instant Noodles• Biscuits• Lollies• Small tinned consumables• Non-perishable foods• TIM TAMS

Year 9 history will be coordinating...care packages to be sent to our deployed troops as a sign of our gratitude for their service to Australia and Australians.

Other ideas:

• Magazines – from Vogue to Men’s Health• Puzzle books• DVDs• Socks• Letters of support• Self-addressed envelopes – this way soldiers can thank you for the

donation.

What NOT to include:

• Alcoholic beverages• Clothing• Pork products• Cigarettes

KKHS 2018 ANZAC Appreciation Project - Mrs James-Cliff HT HSIE

Having attended many ANZAC Day Services in Kurri Kurri I am confident that our community will get behind this initiative and I would like to extend my thanks in advance for the donations that will no doubt inundate our office over the next few weeks.




We are Engineering Studies Year 12 and we define the engineers of the future. We have been studying hard in our newest topic Civil Structures, constructing trusses to be tested for its structural integrity until failure. Who will have the best truss, who will be have the worst.

This project has been a long and challenging task to complete, only being given limited materials and time that was prescribed for the task. Despite this, the trusses that were constructed were still of relatively high quality considering the restrictions. Our testing involved clamping a cantilever truss to a jig, using a garbage bin as a load as we filled the bin with water, gradually pouring in 1 litre of water at a time.

Out of the five trusses, Jack’s truss managed have the best load to weight ratio of 214:1, the load being the weight under the force of gravity held by the cantilever before failure and the weight being the dead load of the bridge.

While some members of the class used unique construction methods, as Callum used dowel, although surprisingly, held the least load.

Results of testing:

1. Jack, 2. Cohen, 3. Cobie, 4. Brock, 5. Callum

Year 12 Engineering Studies - by “Huddo” and “Saunders”

RYSA Awards

Congratulations to Year 10 students Benji Lambert and Year 9 student Chloe Hope (Steel) on receiving the Young Person of the Year awards at the recent Regional Youth Services Awards (RYSA).

Benji won his award for the Cessnock area and Chloe took out the Maitland zone, both though received the accolade in recognition for their contribution to youth services. Lakin Agnew, Cessnock Youth Development Officer says the awards celebrate the young people in our region that have taken adversity and transformed the situation into something that is positive.

For Chloe, her work on the Headspace Youth Committee and events for Youth Week won her the award. Benji’s award came to him for his advocacy for gender diversity, his selection and role on the Youth Parliament and his proactive role in the Junior Aboriginal Education Group.

It is not only Kurri Kurri High School students who deserve recognition though. Our HT Learning and Support, Mrs Weir and Student Support Officer, Megan Gillespie were both nominated for Youth Worker of the Year. While neither took home the award we acknowledge them for all that they do for our students here at school, lots of which goes on well beyond school hours and expectations.

Well done to the four of you.




In partnership with Big Picture Education Australia, Kurri Kurri High School have established our Studio School ,which is presently catering for Stage 6 students wishing to transition beyond school to either employment and/or further tertiary education.

In this course we have a flexible learning environment that allows students to focus on their interests and passions, based around a vocational pathway, while studying NESA approved courses. Students commence their day at 8am and finish school earlier to assist them

to become “work ready”, and to allow them time to pursue workplace opportunities within their chosen field. A requirement of this course is allowing participants the time to enter the workforce, to learn from experts about different types of employment and engage with mentors in their chose vocation through a Shadow Day, Internship or by speaking with the mentor.

Here are a few of the achievements to date from our students.

• Jacinta Williams has been successful through interview, in gaining a place in a pre-vocational course at WEA Cessnock and probable Aged Care Traineeship with Jacaranda at Cessnock . Pictured above is Jacinta with a very sad Eve, who is going to miss her.

• Michael-Jay Walters has commenced an Internship with the IT faculty here at KKHS and has become the class IT nerd and guru on all things to do with our laptops.

• Tailor Appleby is currently completing an internship with Jason Higgins Plumbing and has decided it is healthier to drink water (and cheaper) than V/Mother/Coke or any other soft drink.

• Aliesha Bastow has been completing her internship at the Cravin Café and Burger Bar every Monday.

• Eve Crole and Laura Fogg composed and delivered a speech about the Studio School at the recent Business Lunch held at Kurri Kurri High School, not an easy task to speak in front of so many peers, business leaders, community members and teachers.

• Jackson Mitchell is completing his internship at Chris Watson Motorcycles at Cessnock, where he attends every Friday and is pursuing his passion of trying to gain an apprenticeship in this field.

• Paul V Gardner, Abby Stokes and Zoe Harper are all attending TAFE one day per week. Paul has commenced a course in Automotive, Abby and Zoe have commence their course in Beauty.

• Noah Page has secured a one day a week placement at Cessnock Council and will be commencing soon.

• Sophie Wallace has already completed a two-week internship at Kurri Kurri Early Childhood Centre and now has her sights on attending TAFE in 2019 to gain a qualification to pursue this career.

• Tyrell Ahoy has gained full time employment at Simply Bliss Bakehouse at Weston. We wish him well with his career in baking.

• Ashley York has also commenced his internship as a personal trainer and is currently attending Team Lantry Boxing and Promotions gym three days per week.

Ashley is pictured above with Big Picture Australia CEO and Co-Founder Viv White, playing hockey in the school gym.

We look forward to giving you updates throughout the year of how this initiative is progressing.

If your business is interested in working with our Studio School please contact me on 4937 1877.

Welcome to the new Studio School - Mr Buswell

“...we have a flexible learning environment that allows students to focus on their interests and passions...”




Tell Them From Me- student feedback survey - Mr EnglishI am delighted that this term, our school, like many other public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.auThe survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school. I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours in week 11, April 9-13. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by April 9. Copies of the form and FAQs are available from: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents.

Black Dog Institute Smooth Sailing Program at Kurri High - Toni Falk, School Counsellor

In terms one and two, Kurri Kurri High School will be taking part in a research study which aims to improve student wellbeing. This voluntary study is being run by the Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales. As part of thisstudy, students in Years 9 and 10 will be invited to answer some questionnaires about their mental health in class time on a private computer. Students will complete the questionnaires in Weeks 5 and 11 (in Term 1), and Week 4 (in Term 2).Participation by students is entirely voluntary. All students’ answers remain confidential and will be stored securely by the Black Dog Institute. At different times throughout the study, students will be invited to use a new online program called Smooth Sailing. This program provides information and activities to help students cope with worry, stress, and feelings of sadness. Students will be able to use this online program privately in their own time. If a student reports that they are experiencing severe depression or thoughts of suicide when using Smooth Sailing, they will be immediately referred to the school counsellor. This study will help us to ensure our students are being cared for. If you have any questions or concerns, or you do not wish for your child to participate in this study, please contact your School Counsellor, Toni Falk. Alternatively, you can directly contact the research group by emailing [email protected] or calling Dr Bridianne O’Dea on 02 9382 8509.

Each Thursday, two of our teaching staff are up early and welcoming students to school with a smile. “Toast?” asks Mrs Hughes “Juice is over there” directs Ms Crooks. They are hosting the Breakfast Club, a long running institution at our school.

On a slow morning, no less than 50 students enjoy a light breaky at no charge in Room 35. The numbers go up when it’s chilly or there is the offer of pancakes being made. There are of course regular faces who pop in, sit down and have a chat, it’s a positive way to start the day and according to Mrs Hughes, Breakfast Club is something that student’s respect and show politeness when they come through the door.

So who pays for the tins of milo, crumpets and loaves of bread? None of this would be possible without the ongoing generosity of the P&C Association. Across our school the P&C are making wonderful programs and projects happen, Breakfast Club is just one lucky recipient of funds. We thank them for their support.

Everyone is welcome at Breakfast Club, so please come on by on a Thursday morning, the milo and raisin toast is on us!

Breakfast Club

It’s a positive way to start the day and...Breakfast Club is something that student’s respect and show politeness when they come through the door.


http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au

http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents.

http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents.

mailto:smoothsailing%40blackdog.org.au?subject=

mailto:smoothsailing%40blackdog.org.au?subject=



Students from each Year 7 Hub spent a day immersed in Aboriginal cultural activities. This included learning and playing multiple Aboriginal games with our Senior SLR students.

Sky Miller, one of our wonderful ex-students returned to teach our girls about the importance of Aboriginal dance in our culture.

JAECG students Benji Lambert, Cooper Cliff, Jordan Lambert, Anya Atkinson, Temika Akins and Harmonee Wells, with support from Mrs L’Green ran Aboriginal Art, Didgeridoo, Storytelling and Language workshops throughout the three days. It was an excellent opportunity for all of the students involved.

A big thank you to our AECG President Sonia Sharpe for coming along and spending some time with our students. To Sky Miller for sharing your Aboriginal dance skills, our JAECG team and Senior SLR students who ran events as well as cooked the BBQ for lunch each day.

Sistaspeak - Mrs L. L’Green

Year 7, 8 and 9 Aboriginal girls spent the day building new relations with each other to support them through High School. We talked about our expectations for Sistaspeak in 2018 whilst creating some art works.

Year 7 Aboriginal Language Hook Days

JAECG Leadership Networking Day - Tuesday, 13th March

Three of our JAECG executive committee attended the JAECG networking day hosted by Cessnock High School last week. The students joined the leaders from our local primary and high schools to learn about our past Aboriginal leaders, the qualities they displayed and what we could learn from them. They listened to an Aboriginal song called “Life and Culture” and discussed how important it is to learn as much as we possibly can about identity and culture so that we can later share our knowledge and our culture can survive.

Close the Gap - Mrs L. L’Green

A group of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students from Kurri Kurri High and Cessnock high school celebrated Close the Gap day at Mount View High School on Thursday 15th March. After talking what Close the Gap is all about all three school competed in a game of basketball and Oz tag although we did not come home with the trophy students from Kurri Kurri High displayed fantastic sporting skills, but even better team work. A fantastic day and a big Thank you to Michelle Bedford from Mount View High School for organising the day.

Celebrating Aboriginal culture in our school




Are your contact details up to date?Help us to stay in touch.

You can up date your contact details on the Kurri Kurri High School App OR contact the Front Office on 4937 1877.

The newest members of Kurri Kurri High School have hit the ground running. In a term filled with curiosity and creativity, the students have enjoyed settling into their new Hub families. Blue, Gold and Silver Hubs have been in search of the

answer to our driving question: “What are the building blocks of life?”

Looking through the lenses of each core subject area, students have researched topics ranging from astronomy to persuasive language. They’ve created songline maps in the vein of our Aboriginal predecessors, as well as rap lyrics, personal symbols and descriptive paragraphs.

Blue Hub has formed a tight-knit group through a number of mindfulness activities, including dancing, body scans, breathing techniques and mindful eating. The students particularly enjoyed doing a series of experiments in which they examined the natural phenomenon of the universe. Hayden Cooke demonstrated centrifugal force and its role in the orbit of the planets and moons. Blue hub have enjoyed working through the numeracy ‘Think-Boards’, designed specifically to develop the skills

targeted by NAPLAN.

Gold Hub explored the ways in which the rotation of the earth and its orbit around the sun affected the seasons. Ms. Twyford, our specialist Science teacher, had the kids entranced by her demonstration of this process. Dubbed the ‘hubby-fam’, Gold have utilised positive relationship skills to provide specific feedback on the work of their peers. This has enabled them to produce a number of quality writing drafts, each continuing to improve in quality. After focusing intently on the continued development of their literacy and numeracy skills, the students were relax and let loose with a dance party.

Having two full-time core teachers on each Hub was a conscious decision based on research into Attachment Theory. By forming relationships and safe working environments, students have already begun to feel more comfortable as they work to develop grit and growth mindsets. The Silver Hub teachers have led the charge on positive psychology in the classroom, and have completed a number of mindfulness activities directly aimed at the creation of future-focused, proactive members of our Kurri Kurri school community.

Year 7 Hubbenings - Stage 4 Faculty

The newest members of Kurri Kurri High School have hit the ground running.




Special Education Faculty News – Toni Atkinson Head Teacher

Term 1 2018 has started with a ‘bang’ in the Special Education Faculty. We welcome two new teachers, Alex Newman and Drew Davis. This means we have had to farewell some teachers, Karen Upfold has accepted a transfer to RTHS, Clint Onslow has accepted a position in Newcastle and Kylie Webb has accepted a position at Hunter River Community SSP. Students, staff and parents wish you the best in your new endeavours.

We also welcome new students to our faculty this year: Caitlyn, Summer, Ruby-Jean, Jaymie, Cooper and Aiden.

Our 2018 staff are: MC28 Kerrie McGrath, MC52 Alex Newman, IM Drew Davis, IO Toni Atkinson

SLSO are an integral part of our faculty in assisting our students to reach their full potential: Lisa Williams, Belinda Barrett, Tracey McDermott, Allison Scott, Kristy Lynch.

We also have a team of mainstream teachers providing our students with exciting learning opportunities in a variety of KLA’s: Science, TAS, PDHPE, Auslan and Dance to name a few.

An exciting start has been seen to teaching and learning in our faculty. Our students are actively engaged in Real World Learning in preparation for their life after school. Genuine community access programs have begun as well as a small business program. Watch this space for future exciting updates!

We would like to thank Rail NSW Guard, Veronica Gordon for taking time out of her busy schedule to teach our students about public transport safety and using Opal Cards. Mikala was excited to learn lots of new information to assist her independence.

Our students visited Kurri Kurri Newsagency to purchase Opal cards. James can’t wait to start using his Opal card to travel on local public transport. As soon as our students returned to school with their Opal cards, they accessed the computers to register them online. Jake is ready to start his travel training.

Other breaking news from Special Ed......

The IM class under the guidance of Mr Davis have been tirelessly building a greenhouse for the faculty to start raising plants for our business project.

The IO class GREEN TEAM have been engaged in a future focused sustainability and recycling project.




BYOD

It is fantastic to see so many students using technology effectively in the classroom. Many students in our school continue to participate in BYOD and Day Loan Laptop Programs. Students have taken advantage of free Microsoft and Adobe software provided by the Department of Education again this year, which is great to see. For instructions on downloading and installing the software see http://www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/documents/36161881/36168412/installing_office_software_on_byod.pdf

It is important for students to remember the responsibilities that come with being part of the BYOD and Day Loan Laptop programs. Students need to bring or collect their devices EVERY DAY, utilise a durable protective case, ensure the device is fully charged and utilise the device for learning. A failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in BYOD or Day Loan privileges being removed.

Our school has partnered with Acer Australia and lwt.com.au to provide a purchase option

for student laptops. We have recommended a laptop that is compatible, affordable, durable and compact. See our website for more details. We will soon be unveiling new partnerships with JB Hifi and Harvey Norman in an effort to provide some lower cost option devices for students. More details on the website soon.

Student & Parent Portal

Our Student & Parent Portal, powered by the school’s Sentral administration system, provides parents with a range of information about their children, including timetables, attendance, wellbeing and academic reports in a secure online portal.

It is important that parents have access to the Student & Parent Portal. All bookings for Parent-Teacher, and 360 Conferences are made through the Parent Portal.

If you have any questions about the Parent or Student Portals, please contact me via school switch or via email to [email protected]

Technology Update - Mr Rennex HT Technology & BYOD


http://www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/documents/36161881/36168412/installing_office_software_on



mailto:jeremy.rennex%40det.nsw.edu.au%20?subject=

mailto:jeremy.rennex%40det.nsw.edu.au%20?subject=



A Taste of Uni Life

On Friday 16th February, Senior Music students were able to experience life as a Music Uni Student as they toured the University of Newcastle’s Conservatorium. The students were presented an information session about the courses the University offeres and how to get in, participated in a Music Technology class and toured the new buildings on Hunter Street in Newcastle. The day was capped off with the Reprise Concert which features the best of last year’s HSC Music performances. All students came away feeling very inspired.

Battle of the Bands Kicks off with a Bang!

On the second day of school Year 8 Music students were treated to a live rock concert by up and coming Central Coast band Kid Zr0!

Kid Zr0 launched the Battle of the Bands project for Year 8 and challenged them to create their own bands to compete in our very own Year 8 Battle of the Bands later this year. Since the concert, students have learned the basics of how to play rock instruments, formed their own rock bands and begun to work on songs that they will play in the competition. Kid Zro are looking forward to coming back and judging our Year 8 Rock Stars early next term.

Sydney Theatre Company

Year 9 and 10 Drama students enjoyed a trip to the Sydney Opera House to experience a live theatre performance. The play ‘Top Girls’ performed by an all-female cast and produced by Sydney Theatre Company engaged the audience through the exploration of the themes feminism, socialism and politics during the late 1970’s. This production was the perfect opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom and deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of theatre conventions, elements of production, acting techniques and presenting themes to inform an audience. Year 9 students have been learning about the elements of drama and applying them to performance through acting and improvisation. Year 10 have been developing their acting skills through the application of Stanislavski’s techniques and realism. The question and answer session with the actors after the show provided valuable tips

and information about character development, getting into character, acting and working collaboratively. We had a fantastic day and all students demonstrated excellence, respect and safety.

Star Struck

Congratulations to our Star Struck dancers and choir who successfully audition to be part of this year’s show, ‘Connect’. Participating in Star Struck is a fantastic opportunity for student to experience a large scale performance event, whilst developing confidence, performance skills and working as part of team. Early term 2 we begin the rehearsal process for the dancers and prepare for the big event. It is vital that all students attend all rehearsals. Please take note of the dates below for the dance group.

Friday 4th May 2018

Tuesday 22nd May 2018

Wednesday 30th May

Wednesday 13th June

Thursday 14th June

Show dates: Friday 15th June and Saturday 16th June

Tickets go on sale 4th April and can be purchased through the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and ticketek.

Great opportunity for two budding artists.

Zane Andrews and Chelsea White of year 11 have been selected to participate in The Dobell School at the National Art School, Sydney. The project is sponsored by the William Dobell Art Foundation and offers Year 11 students from government schools the opportunity to work in a tertiary institution in programs conducted by National Art School staff, all who are practising artists. The intensive four-day drawing workshop will complement and extend the students’ art studies through an intense and rewarding experience. I look forward to see the works they produce and sharing their experience in the next newsletter.

CAPAL News - Ms Dunlevie HT CAPAL




A beautiful gesture for Hannah

Last year Hannah Rye received a surprise video message from musician Ed Sheeran which was to lift her spirits while battling Ewing Sarcoma. He gave Hannah 4 tickets to see a show when he toured Australia this year. Sadly Hannah lost her battle. Just last week however, her family went to Ed’s concert in her honour.

Unbeknownst to them all, having arrived at the show, they got taken to a private room where they were met by none other than Ed Sheeran himself, Ed spent some quality time with the family chatting before the show. It was a bitter sweet experience for the Rye family and one that they will cherish.




National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) 2018 LETTER TO PARENTS

In May 2018 the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers and will assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australian schools.

The results of the tests will provide important information to schools about what each student can do, and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement. Each student’s level of achievement will be reported against the national minimum standard.

Student background information (student name, gender, date of birth, language background and Aboriginality) will be collected as part of the National Assessment Program. This information is treated confidentially and held securely to ensure that every student’s right to privacy is maintained.

The NAPLAN tests will be conducted from 15-17 May 2018.

TUESDAY 15 MAY WEDNESDAY 16 MAY THURSDAY 17 MAY

Language Conventions

(Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)

Writing test

Reading test

Numeracy test

In the numeracy tests students do not require any measuring tools such as rulers or protractors. In Years 7 and 9 there will be one numeracy test with two parts: Part A calculator is allowed and Part B where calculators are not to be used. For the calculator test, the student should use the calculator that they currently use at school.

Friday 18 May – A ‘catch-up’ day is scheduled for students who missed a test or were absent on a test day. Students may be considered for exemption from the tests if they:

• are newly arrived in Australia (less than one year before the test) and with a language background other than English, or

• have significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests.

All other students are expected to participate in the tests. Disability adjustments which reflect the student’s normal level of support in the classroom may be provided. Large print, braille, coloured paper versions and electronic tests are available to meet the needs of individual students.

Access to disability adjustments or exemption from the tests must be discussed with the school principal and a parent or carer consent form must be signed.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents in consultation with the school principal. If you wish to withdraw your child from the tests, a parent or carer consent form must be signed.

Please make an appointment with the principal of the school your child attends if you would like to discuss your child’s participation in NAPLAN.

Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support


http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support



“Around the Grounds”- what’s been happening in the PDHPE Faculty - Ms Da Silva HT PDHPE

LIFE STYLE HUBS

Year 7: Our year 7 hubs have been learning about meaning of health from a holistic perspective by learn about looking after their mind, body and spirit. In practical lessons all students are completing the Rock and Water program which teaches students about self-discpline and respect through martial arts exercises. In theory lessons we are looking at our school PBL values and expectations and will be creating signage for the school as well as engaging in a “Shark Tank” pitching project to design a new school Mascot that embodies and represents our School Values of EXCELLENCE, SAFTEY and RESPECT. The new mascot will be chosen by student vote and will launched at the Year 7 expo evening next term.

Year 8: This term in Lifestyle we have been discovering the topic “GRIT! Have you got it?”. We started the term with a guest speaker from Black Dog Institute who explained to our students what mental health is, he also presented a variety of strategies students could use to improve their mental health. In theory lessons we have completed an online resilience course HeadStrong delivered by the Black Dog Institute. Students have been researching a mental health condition and have written an information report on their chosen condition. We look forward to seeing the creative mental health resources they produce in the coming weeks. In practical lessons we have participated in a variety of challenge activities and modified games which have further developed resilience and the tactical and strategic skills of our students. Our culminating event for this unit is the RAW Challenge excursion on the 6th of April where students will put into place the skills we have fostered over the duration of Term 1.

IN OTHER YEARS....

Year 10 have been exploring a circus skills unit, learning about juggling, Diablo’s spinning plates and even uni-cycling! It has been a challenging but our students have taken it on and enjoyed the new way to assess

movement and composition as part of our stage 5 course.

Year 9 have been looking at Social dance with particular focus on Capoeira (Brazilian fight dancing) and body percussion, along with traditional partner dancing. They’re in class task allowing students to be creative and combine the 3 styles to choreograph an original composition.

Year 9 PASS- Our 4 classes have all been preparing for participation in the RAW challenge at the end of the term along with learning about the Body systems. Mrs Robson organised a special treat for the PASS irls class with hip hop dance teacher Pep-C coming in and running a special class for them.

10 PASS have been refining their coaching skills and have been running Fundamental Movement Skill game clinic with Kurri Kurri Primary school and our year 7 Hubs for sport. All students shining with the primary staff and students commenting on their professionalism and great attitude.

Stage 6 PDHPE have been working hard and looking at the Factors that affect performance (yr12) of an athlete and the Body in Motion (yr11). Looking at things such as energy systems, training methods, psychological, nutritional and recovery strategies. Pictured below some of our students practicing focusing and attentional skills.




“Around the Grounds”- what’s been happening in the PDHPE Faculty Cont’d... - Ms Da Silva HT PDHPE

Stage 6 SLR have been extremely busy applying their skills to various school events including running several Aboriginal games sessions as part of the year 7 Hub Hook days with great success. The group are currently organising our school Athletics Carnivals which will be held week 3 next term.

Stage 6 CAFS have been looking into a number of marginalised groups within our community. They have studied a range of groups including homeless people, youth and people with a disability.

STAGE 5 Sport Options for Term 2.

Below are the sport being offered next term. Sport selections will be done in PDHPE lessons in week 9 to ensure selections are finalised by the end of the term and students are ready to go week 1 term 4. If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Ms Robson in the PE staffroom.

Sport/Venue Cost* Venue Transport Other Information

Basketball Nil Basketball Courts Nil

Mystery Sport Nil It’s a mystery Nil Students will participate in a variety of sports, not knowing from week to week what the sport may be...

Archery $7 per week + $50 bus Rutherford School Bus

Skateboarding/Scooter

$6 per week +$50 bus Cessnock PCYC Bus

Students must provide their own scooter/skateboard and helmet to participate in this sport. N.B.No helmet, no participation

Rock Climbing $8 per week + $50 bus Cessnock PCYC Bus

Gymnastics $8 per week + $50 bus Cessnock PCYC Bus

Golf $5 + Transport Kurri Kurri Golf Club Bus/Car Students need their own clubs

Lawn Bowls Nil Kurri Kurri Bowling Club Bus

Ten Pin Bowling $5 per week + $50 bus Superstrike Rutherford Bus

Soccer Nil Biralee Oval Walk

Futsal Nil School Gym Nil This is for students serious about Futsal or those in the Futsal team.

Touch Football/Oz Tag Nil Biralee Oval Walk

Fitness $5 per week iGym Kurri Kurri

Walk to venue. In the event of heavy rain, students will travel by bus

Students must have a towel, drink bottle and wear correct footwear (not Converse shoes or similar) to participate in this sport.

iGym members are exempt from the weekly payment unless they participate in the organised class.

Hip Hop/Dance $8 per week School Hall Nil

Table Tennis School Kurri Kurri High School Nil

Walking Nil Kurri Kurri Community Nil

Handball Nil Kurri Kurri High School Nil Competitive Handball Championship Event

* Prices are subject to change in accordance with price changes at venues




Rep Sport

OPEN BOYS BASKETBALL - Mr Willis Teacher/Coach

On Tuesday, 7th March the boys’ basketball team participated for the first time in the Regional State Knockout finals. It was an exciting day for the boys as they were well aware of the progress they had made for themselves and the school.

The first game was played against Maitland Grossman HS who have traditionally been a strong basketball school. The boys started really well playing with confidence and matched it with their opponents for the first quarter. It was a tough, physical game with both teams working hard for their points. In the second quarter Grossman started to score more frequently making some tough shots that our team just couldn’t match. This trend continued on throughout the rest of the game as the Kurri boys fought valiantly but were simply overmatched by a Grossman team that would eventually make it through to the final 2 teams in the Region!!!

The loss meant that our team were eliminated from the competition but we were still to play a consolation game against Toronto HS. As I was there in a dual role as team coach but also Hunter Region selector, I allowed the boys to run themselves and have some fun. They started well and dominated Toronto for moist of the first half. Scoring was a touch sporadic as the skill levels dropped as the fun increased. The Kurri team managed to hold onto the lead until late in the 4th quarter when the Toronto team managed to sneak ahead in the final minutes to win the game. Although it wasn’t the way we’d like to finish the boys should be very proud of the way they played. They represented Kurri with Pride and demonstrated great sportsmanship throughout the competition.

OPEN GIRLS BASKETBALL - Mr Willis Teacher/Coach

The girls’ basketball team played their first round game of the State Knockout competition against Maitland Grossman HS. Our team was made up of a great bunch of talented and athletic sportswomen….who had never played a game of basketball before in their lives!! MGHS had a number of rep players in their team and were too strong for our girls. However, the effort and skills displayed by our team was an absolute credit to the girls in making it a tough encounter.

Unfortunately being a knockout competition meant our girls were eliminated but the day before the regional finals our team received news that they had been given a “wildcard” entry in to the finals due to other teams forfeiting. After a hectic couple of hours getting the organisation done, the girls turned up to the finals keen to play and ready to make the most of their chances.

We played against Cessnock HS in the first game giving the girls a chance to claim some coalfields bragging rights and they did not disappoint!!! The team was on fire led by team MVP Ainsley Childs who was channelling her inner Steph Curry with a dazzling display of dribbling and shooting. Everyone made great contributions and the team defence was phenomenal. Kurri eventually running out winners 36-18.

That win allowed Kurri to advance to the next round where they were matched up with our other coalfields rivals Mount View HS. This game would give the winner the true Cessnock LGA bragging rights and our girls were ready to give it their all. The game started well enough with both teams playing a tough physical game. Neither team found scoring easy as the shots just wouldn’t fall. Mount View eventually made a small break and took the lead. Kurri fought back hard but the skills and experience of the Mount view team was too much to overcome. Shots just wouldn’t go in for our girls and the taller and stronger Mount View took advantage to eventually run out winners 42- 24.

I would just like to personally thank all the girls who played in the squad this year. They were prepared to listen and learn and the effort they put in to every game was awesome. They also achieved the first win for Kurri in a girls’ basketball game for YEARS!!!! Hopefully the first of many more to come.




Rugby League - Mr Rumball and Mr Allen Teacher/Coaches

On Thursday 8th March, 3O boys travelled to Thornton to represent Kurri Kurri High School at the Coalfields Rugby League Gala Day.

The Under 13 boys played five games on the day, winning against Cessnock, Rutherford and Maitland Grossman High School. The boys progressed to the Semi Finals, were unfortunately they lost on a countback after drawing at full-time.

The Under 15 boys played four games on the day, winning against Maitland and Maitland Grossman High School. The boys played exceptionally well especially when the size differences were not in their favour. Standout of the day was Elijah Faaula, he was selected in the Coalfields Representative side to play in the Hunter Championships later this term.

All boys represented Kurri Kurri High School in a great fashion and Mr Allen and Mr Rumball could not be any happier with their performances on the field and behaviour off the field.

Individual Rep Sports News

CHS State Swimming- Congratulations to Jack Sheehan (yr 10) who had great success at the Hunter Regional Swimming carnival and has qualified in the 100m Backstroke and Butterfly for the state carnival in April.

Congratulations to Brooke Kennedy (yr10) for making the Hunter Open girls Soccer team and to (yr 9) for making the U15s Coalfields Rugby league team.

We are participating in this awesome opportunity to gain some new sports gear for our school. Remember the more vouchers we collect, the more sports gear we’ll receive. Pop your vouchers in the box at Coles or outside the PDHPE Office.


Documents

High School · school after Year 10 and before they receive their Higher School Certificate (HSC). The RoSA is designed to record and credit all of a secondary school student’s