New Student Handbook

Creating futures is what we strive to achieve every day at Kurri Kurri High School. Our passionate and innovative teachers work really hard to inspire students to reach their potential, knowing their strengths and helping them to navigate the world beyond our gates.

Our school is different. We are a forward facing school that works to bring the world in. Our vision is to create lifelong learners who actively seek to improve themselves every year.

This vision extends to all staff in our school. As activated learners, we seek to find new and better ways to ‘do’ school.                                                                                  

So how does this look on the ground?

To start with, students enter our Stage 4 Hubs.

In this design, students in Year 7 work through learning how to learn. We begin with the learning disposition wheel and the 5 ways to wellbeing. Here, students work through how to think of themselves as learners. Students learn in HUBS with integrated projects. 

Moving into Stage 5, students open their world with global perspectives and the sustainable development goals to partner their learning in this village. Students have three pathway ‘options’ for learning as they gateway into Stage 5. They can apply for the enrichment strand – a fully academic pathway- planning for University. Pathway 2 is the Big Picture Education pathway – with options for a portfolio entry to University or a transition to work pathway. Pathway three is a traditional high school pathway. 

When factoring in the transition to Stage 6 learning the senior school has numerous choices to help students plan for the future, that can lead to successful futures. Students can again choose choose a traditional ATAR HSC pathway, our Big Picture Academy learning or a Record of School Achievement. 

We have strong focus on technology as a BYOD school. The mantra is: every student, every lesson, every day. Our LMS is CANVAS. All work is delivered through this platform for learning.

Parents are enrolled too. We invites our parents to play a large role in their child's learning.  Our 360 Interview process helps our students begin to develop their education passport that will be used in each village gateway to gain access to the next level of learning.

This is an exciting place to learn.  We welcome you to our school and know you will love your time with us.

Alan Hope  I  Principal

What will happen on my first day at school?

New Year 7 students starting at the beginning the year will join the school as a group.  The day will start with an assembly in the Gymnasium.  There you will receive your timetables and go to your first lesson with your teacher.

Students in Year 7 through to Year 12 who join us during the year will initially meet with one of the Deputy Principals for an interview, as well as meet with the School Counsellor and have a LaST assessment. Your classes of study will be entered, a date to start at Kurri Kurri High School will be decided and you will meet at the front office for your first day. 

How will I know what lesson I have?

All students are given access to a copy of the school  timetable through Sentral.  It will show your lessons, teachers and rooms.  Sentral is accessed using your school login/email.

How many lessons will I have each day?

Starting in 2023 we will have four periods a day.  A copy of the school bell times is included at the end of this section.  The school timetable will be 10 day cycle, comprising of Weeks A and B.

What time should I get to school?

The morning bell rings at 8.30am for Period 1.  Pack your school bag the night before and ensure that you are not late to school.  Text messaging is used to notify parents/caregivers of student lateness to school.

Students who arrive late to school should bring a note from parents to the attendance office window. 

Roll Marking

The school uses an electronic roll marking system where attendance is recorded every lesson.  Lateness to class is also recorded in the system.  

What if I am late to class?

Lateness to class is not acceptable.  Make sure that you are prompt to all of your lessons.  If you are delayed by a teacher, ask for a note with a reason for your lateness.  Give the note to your next teacher as soon as you get to class.

No student should be out of class without a note from a teacher. 

How do I get a bus pass?

To be eligible for subsidised travel under the School Student Transport Scheme, high school students must live more than 2.0km radial distance from the school attended, or walk 2.9km or more by the most practical route.  If you currently hold an “OPAL” card you are able to go online and update your current school details. If you are applying for an OPAL card for the first time either call Transport NSW on 131 500 or visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-school-travel-pass

Can I leave my bike at school?

Yes, you can ride your bike or scooter to school and leave it in the bike racks.  However, students need to provide their own padlock/chain to secure their bike.  No responsibility can be accepted by the school for theft or damage to bikes left in the bike racks.

 What are the rules around mobile phones?

Kurri Kurri High School Bell Times  

What if I am absent from school?

Students who have been absent from school will need to have their absence explained.  This can be done in the following ways:

1. A written note from their parents/guardians, which can be returned to the Attendance Office, or 

2. Use the Kurri Kurri HS Parent Portal to explain an absence and will send the response to the school and a confirmation to the parent/guardians email address.

Notes should be presented within five school days or the absence is recorded as being unexplained.

What if I need to leave school early?

Students who need to leave school early should bring a note from parents to the Attendance Office. When leaving the student must check with the administration officer at the attendance office.

What if I feel sick at school?

Ask your teacher for a note to go to the front office. Your parents will be contacted to collect you.  First aid support is provided from the front office.  

We do not dispense paracetamol tablets.  Parents who require their child to receive prescribed medication during the day should complete a Health Care Procedure form, available from the front office.

The Kurri Kurri High School uniform policy has been overwhelmingly endorsed by staff, students and parents.  Students are expected to wear correct school uniform each day.

The wearing of school uniform is supported by our school community because:

• It fosters pride in the school
  
• It enhances the image and reputation of the school in the eyes of the wider community
• It provides some security for students by clear identification
• It reduces undesirable distinction and competition between students because of clothing.

Junior Boys and Girls

Senior Boys and Girls

School Shoes

Students must wear suitable hard covered shoes, with white socks or black stockings. For safety reasons, any low-cut type of shoe, sandals, masseurs, thongs or similar slip-on type footwear or open-toed shoe are not allowed. Students will not be permitted to enter workshop areas such as science laboratories, woodwork/metalwork rooms, kitchens or visual arts classrooms unless they are wearing hard covered shoes. This is a safety issue for all students.

Hats

The school encourages the wearing of sunhats in the playground.

Where to purchase your uniform

School uniforms can be purchased from Flannagan's, Vincent St, Cessnock.  

BYOD is a school policy that enhances digital capacity in students to ready them for the future workplace. Students bring a device to facilitate deeper, more personalised and student-centred learning.

Students are encouraged to bring a device to assist with their learning. All digital devices used in schools are covered by the Student Use of Digital Devices and Online Services policy. Support is available from the ICT staff to assist students in connecting their device to the DET WiFi network, as well as accessing and installing the free software (Microsoft & Adobe programs) available on the DoE Student Portal.

Students and parents/carers must understand that Kurri Kurri High School takes no responsibility for the safety of personal digital devices used under the BYOD program and no action will be taken by school staff to repair or resolve issues with these devices outside of network connection and software installs. When purchasing devices parents/carers may also have the option to purchase an insurance policy from the supplier or relevant insurance company to cover damages or issues that arise.

Device purchasing

To simplify purchasing for parents we have partnered with 2 resellers, Learning with Technology (LWT) and JB HiFi to provide curated options for student laptops and accessories. We have recommended several devices across a broad price range that meet all the requirements of a device best suited to use in our classrooms. Purchases can be picked up in store or shipped directly to your home address. For Online Ordering please refer to the links below:

Learning with Technology (LWT)

Existing Devices

The use of existing devices is whole-heartedly encouraged. If students have an existing laptop that they would like to use for our BYOD program that meets the requirements outlined below, then it is suitable for use as a BYOD.

Protective case

A protective case is essential for all student devices. Our school recomends cases with hard protective sides to guard against  damage.

Required Specifications for Bring Your Own Devices

Wireless connectivity:

Wireless 802.11abgn/ac 2.4 or 5GHz.

Operating system:

Our school encourages the use of Windows or Macintosh laptop operating systems. We do NOT recommend the use of Chromebooks or Tablet devices (e.g., iPads) as these devices are not suitable for many projects which require custom software programs.

Software and apps:

No required software - Microsoft & Adobe software is available from the DoE student portal for free, and assistance installing these programs is offered by teachers or ICT Faculty staff at our school.

Battery life:

Minimum 6-hour (8 recommended) battery life.

Storage and RAM:

Minimum 128GB Hard Disk & Minimum 8GB RAM

Hardware features:

Minimum screen size of 11”

Accessories and other considerations:

Sturdy protective case, optional mouse for programs that require more capability than laptop trackpad.

Need more help?

For further information, please contact Bryce Jacobs (Technology Coordinator)- via the school switch or email bryce.jacobs1@det.nsw.edu.au

Kurri Kurri High School uses a secure online communication tool for parents and students. The 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.

The Portal provides students with information on timetables, wellbeing and attendance on a daily basis. Students login with their Department of Education credentials (firstname.lastname &  password).

For parents to access the Student & Parent Portal a registration key must be entered into the system to ensure security and privacy of data. Registration instructions are distributed early in Term 1 each year (or at time of new enrolment). For more information on registering see the tutorial on our website.

All students have free access to our Canvas Learning Management System. Canvas is an online platform that makes teaching and learning easier and more engaging. Teachers and students collaborate in a secure online platform that can be accessed 24/7 from any internet connected device. Structured learning content, assignments, teacher feedback and notifications are all easily accessible within Canvas. Parents can also access Canvas as observers to stay up to date with student progress.  

Canvas access is linked to Sentral Parent Portal access. The process for accessing these resources if you haven’t already done so is as follows: -

1. Request Sentral Parent Portal access by contacting school

2. Register for Sentral Parent Portal at https://kkhs.sentral.com.au/portal/register

3. Add student registration key supplied by school

4. Sign into Parent Portal at https://kkhs.sentral.com.au/portal2/#!/login

5. Wait 24 hours for data to be synced to Canvas

6. Access Parent Canvas at https://kkhs.instructure.com/login/canvas

7. Use same email as Parent Portal to access Canvas. Be sure to change password on first logon.

8. Access Canvas dashboard to see courses linked to your students.

Parents can access Canvas using computer or smartphone app. To access to Canvas parents must have a registered KKHS Parent Portal account.

Who are the Wellbeing & Engagement Team?

The Wellbeing and Engagement Team include:

• Deputy Principals
  
• HT Engagement 
• Year Advisors 
• Student Support Officer
• District School Counsellors

Behaviour Expectations

At Kurri Kurri High School we use the Raise Responsibility System (RRS) as the foundation of our Discipline system. The RRS is a proactive approach to behaviour management as it recognises misbehaviour as an opportunity to learn and teach prosocial behaviours. The focus of language within our school is “above the line” behaviours to promote and foster internal motivation. This means students learn how to be responsible for themselves and accountable for their actions with a coaching focus, rather than relying on punishment and reward systems(external motivators) which have been well researched as ineffective in supporting behaviour change.

The Learning and Support Team works closely with teachers, students, parents and outsourced professionals to meet the individual learning support needs of our students.

All students in Year 7 will participate in Best Start assessment during Term 1.

Learning and support services:

• Assess students learning needs
• Development of individual learning plans
• In-class support
• Transition
• Targeted intervention programs

At Kurri Kurri Kurri High School, our Special Education Faculty is called Kuta-kaya, meaning “Think strong, able, powerful.” Kuta-Kaya sees the provision of a safe, caring and positive learning environment as one of our most important goals and the authenticity of student learning programs drive these goals. The learning and support guides students as they strive to develop social, emotional, communication and educational skills that will lead to greater independence.

The Support Classes cater for students with diagnosed disabilities to provide individualised learning goals through a range of direct instruction, collaborative learning projects and technology.

All students in Kuta-kaya integrate into mainstream subjects and have access to a full school curriculum as well as a Life Skills pattern of study.

Each student’s Individual Education Plan is developed in conjunction with parents and carers in order to facilitate academic, personal, sporting, social and school to work success.

For further details please contact our Head Teacher Kuta-Kaya  Aimee Watkins

Big Picture Education offers independent learners an alternate pathway to covering syllabus outcomes by studying their passion.

• Most learning is in a Big Picture classroom
• Up to two subjects in mainstream classes
• Learning through Internship (LTI) is mandatory
• Mentoring one day per week outside of school

Kurri Kurri High School is proud to have a rich and inclusive culture for our Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal students. Our school has a range of opportunities to support our students social, sporting, cultural, academic and leadership goals. Our Junior Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group (JAECG) enables our students to have a voice within our school. Our JAECG meet at least twice a term to organise activities and events and show their commitment by volunteering their time to fundraise and run school activities. The JAECG provides leadership opportunities as well as opportunities to represent our school participating in community and interschool events. The JAECG are regularly invited to deliver Welcome to Country or Acknowledgment of Country.

Some of the programs we offer to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are:

• Clontarf Foundation for boys
• Dream Together program for girls
• Young Mob Leadership Program - enabling urban Indigenous youth to gain skills in public speaking and leadership to improve confidence and self-esteem. It also offers opportunities for students to learn more about their Indigenous culture, reinforcing their Aboriginal identity.
  
• SistaSpeak - a girls mentoring group where students learn how to weave, cook and understand about country and why it is so important.
• IBelieve Newcastle University Program - this program aims to plant the seed of ambition for students to begin thinking of their future in a culturally safe space through talking circles, interactive activities and traditional Indigenous games.
• Staff/student mentoring program
• Roadmap to Success program: Program designed to support our Years 10, 11 & 12 A&TSI students and parents with educational and HSC attainment.
• Twice a term progress reports for A&TSI students with the aim of promoting and attaining cultural, social and educational goals.

Within our classrooms we also hold Aboriginal Language, Art and Dance Workshops throughout the year and celebrate Mabo Day, Close the Gap, Harmony Day events and NAIDOC Week.

All new students to our school will have a standard meeting with one of our counsellors at the time of enrolment.

Currently at KKHS we have two counsellors:

- Connie Spinks     MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

- Claire Ingrid        TUESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY

Once started at KKHS, in order to see one of our counsellors, students require a referral, referrals can come from the following ways:

• Students may self-refer, counselling needs are assessed and referrals made if necessary. Referral forms are available from outside the Counsellors office.
• Teachers or non-teaching staff; or
• Referral by the Wellbeing Team

Please be aware that counsellors are mandatory reporters, confidentiality will be respected but is not absolute. Where there is a risk of harm the matter will be reported in the best interests of keeping children safe.

Christian Special Religious Education (SRE) engages students in conversations as they question life,explore values and discover faith. At Kurri Kurri High School, this is an optional program delivered to students who nominate to participate for an hour each week. It is facilitated by volunteers from the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle and are a Department of Education approved SRE provider.

SRE classes are held each Wednesday 9am - 10am.

There is a Special Religious Education participation letter as part of your enrolment pack. If you change your mind regarding participation after enrolment, simply notify the school in writing.

Kurri Kurri High School offers a weekly school sports program to all students in Years 9 and 10 in order to support students in their development as individuals and as members of the local community. Years 7 and 8 participate in their weekly hours of sport in their Lifestyle classes.

Through the compulsory sports program, students have the opportunity to improve their confidence and self-esteem while building their skills in self-discipline, cooperation, respect, resilience and integrity.

Additionally, physical activity has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on concentration, memory and behaviour.

Sports choices are completed online during week 9 every term for the next term. Students are sent an email with a link to then choose 3 sports of their choice.

The weekly sport choices vary from term to term and include off site options in the local community depending on availability. Sports choices include activities such as:

• Archery
• Ten Pin Bowling
• Basketball
• Aqua Golf
• Touch Football
• Soccer and
• Fitness

Students will have the opportunity to change their selection before the start of each term. Times to make changes will be published in the daily notices. Outside these times there will be no changes except under exceptional circumstances.

Any sports that require a bus to the venue will require payment to the front office. A payment plan can be set up to cover the bus cost.

Weekly payments for sports with a charge will be due to the teacher(s) running the sport or the venue each week. If students forget their money they will travel to the venue but will not be able to participate in the activity.

In the case of a student being unable to, or restricted in their ability to fully participate in sport, the student must provide a note from their parent or guardian outlining their illness or injury. Based on the illness or injury, the student may help with the scoring or refereeing of the activity or be temporarily placed in an alternative sport. Students with an illness or injury must report to the Sport Organiser before 9 a.m. on Sports day.

Kurri Kurri High School provides students with opportunities to participate in a range of representative sport opportunities. The benefits of student involvement in organised sporting activity activities are valued by Kurri Kurri High School and provide students with and opportunity to establish positive connections with their peers and their coaches. Organised and representative sports also allows for the development of skills and teamwork, promotion of positive values and a visible commitment to the promotion of an active, healthy lifestyle. Our Representative S.P.O.R.T program will also support students undertake representative opportunities through Zone, Hunter and State competitions. 

Our S.P.O.R.T program represents our commitment to Strive, Perform, Out do, Represent and demonstrate Teamwork. 

Kurri Kurri High School students have the opportunity to represent our school in the following sports:  

·                Athletics, Basketball, Cross Country, Cricket, Netball, Rugby League, Soccer, Swimming, Touch Football

These sports may be extended 

For further information please see Mrs Gavenlock HT Lifestyle/Rep Sport.

Kurri Kurri High School endeavours to create a wide range of sporting opportunities for its students. It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and the benefits associated with participating in a variety of sporting situations. It is the school’s goal to continually assess the range of sporting options available to our students and pursue a broader range of activities, which cater for the interests of the Kurri Kurri community and allow students the opportunity to achieve.

Sports Carnivals

All students are expected to attend and participate in annual Swimming and Athletics carnivals. You are encouraged to wear Sports House colours for these events.

Students are grouped into Houses on surnames of the students.

If your surname falls between:

A-D You are in Allunga House and should be dressed in Red

E-K You are in Kyeema House and should be dressed in Green

L-R You are in Lutana House and should be dressed in White

S-Z You are in Neewarra House and should be dressed in Blue.

Talented athletes at Kurri Kurri High School are able to proceed to Zone, Hunter Regional, State and National levels through our participation in the Hunter School Sport (HSSA), NSW Combined High Schools Sport (CHS), NSW All Schools and, at national level, the Pacific School Games.

Becoming involved with activities and events as part of your time at school can help to expand on learning, develop skills and build confidence.

Just some of the things available to you include:

Medication & First Aid

When a medical practitioner has prescribed medication that must be administered during the school day, parents/carers must:

• notify the school
• provide up to date information as required
• supply the medication and any ‘consumables’ necessary for its administration in a timely way.

Parents/carers of children who require prescribed medication to be administered at school must complete a written request form from the Front Office. Students must not carry medications unless there is a written agreement between the school and the student’s parents/carers.

An Individual health plan is required for any student:

• diagnosed with severe asthma, type 1 diabetes,
• epilepsy or anaphylaxis
• diagnosed as being at risk of an emergency
• who requires the administration of health care
• procedures.

Should your child fall sick or require First Aid while at school, they should present to the Front Office. One of the trained staff will assess and provide treatment where possible. If necessary Parents/Carers will be notified and/or additional medical support.

Toilets and Changing Rooms

Student toilets are located off the Main Quad on either side of the Canteen. Students are provided two lunch breaks in which to use the toilet facilities and organise themselves for the next class.

If you need to use the toilets between periods or during lessons, you will need to get a Toilet Pass from your teacher and use the toilets in A Block downstairs hallway.

A changeroom is located in the Gym for all Lifestyle and PDHPE classes.

Library

Our Library is open every school day: 8.30am - 9:00am for completion of homework/study.

We are open both lunch breaks for research, reading, studying, collaborative learning, quiet board games and Minecraft Club.

Our fiction collection has been grown to meet student needs and interests with a broad range of fiction, fantasy and science fiction and Manga. There are also dedicated sections for War, Humour, Action, Sport, Crime fiction and more. The Teacher Librarian is also happy to take requests for book purchases.

Study Centre

Kurri Kurri High School also has a dedicated Study Centre. The Study Centre strives to create a learning environment that is nurturing and enables our students to perform to their highest ability. Our aim is to create an inclusive, connected and supported environment to provide students with confidence and knowledge for life success.

The Study Centre is open:

Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm and Fridays 8:00am - 3:30pm

Select times during School Holidays

Canteen

We are proud to have a Healthy Choice Canteen, sellling a variety of hot and cold meals as well as drinks and snacks.

The canteen is open before school and lunch breaks. Both cash and Eftpos are accepted payment methods. The current menu is available in the Canteen section of this guide.

Keep in touch with what is going on at our school via:

We are proud to provide a Healthy Choice Canteen having been officially audited by Menu Check. The canteen is open school days 8am - 1.30pm.