14 Annual Newsletter 2012 Week 50 [pdf, 10 MB] - Kelso High ...

Summing up 2012 involves a focus on quality teaching and
rewarding student achievement. The teachers at Kelso High
Campus have looked towards each other to learn new ways to
engage students in their learning, and provide quality
feedback. Expert Kelso teachers have conducted workshops
that feature use of technology, project based learning, group
tasks across several subjects, and contracts for accelerated
learning. The expertise of the Kelso HC staff has been
recognised through the selection of Mr Pillai as the coordinator
of a virtual Extension Mathematics class across Western NSW
and Mrs Murphy in a similar role in Music. Add to this the
recognised talents of Miss Payne in Dance in the Region, and
the recognised excellent classroom practice of staff such as
Mr Trevillion, Miss Douglas, Miss Nicole, Mr Taylor and so
many others, and Kelso HC scrubs up very well.
The new merit system has led to a problem that we are very
happy to solve. An avalanche of merit awards for achievement
in the classroom, attendance, uniform, and school service has
meant I need to create a separate budget to process them all.
Mrs Baker, our Head Teacher Welfare, has been tireless in
ensuring the implementation of this new scheme during 2012.
So many students have seen that their efforts are rewarded,
and others have seen what is required to be eligible for
representation and excursions.
The PBL team, ably led by Mrs Logan, has now progressed to
the classroom, focusing on orderly entry and exit. The
playground is far more orderly due to the initiatives of this hard
working group.
2012 saw the school invite a team from the Region to examine
the policies, procedures and data around attendance at Kelso
HC. The recommendations of this audit have already been
implemented, and several options around roll marking,
notifying parents of absence and truancy, and rewards for
sustained attendance are about to happen.
The highlights for the year must include Gabbi Bolt’s inclusion
in the Senior Talent Development Project, and the Dance
troupe all making the Schools Spectacular in November. Add
to this the revival of the Rock Eisteddfod, and the amazing
artwork from Amelia Meurant that quite literally takes your
breath away, and other dimensions to Kelso become evident. I
continue to see the Cirkus Surreal troupe reach new heights
(excuse the pun), and the end of year concert was
spectacular. Mark Graham’s exploits on television captured
our attention during the year, and we are all so proud of how
he represented Kelso HC as he achieved national fame.
7 to 10 will look for a student. It is all about consistent effort,
not simply exam performance.
At this point, I wish to acknowledge the ongoing expertise,
passion and vision of Greg Hurford and Stephanie Brown,
the Deputy Principals at Kelso High Campus. Their loyalty,
integrity and commitment often goes unheralded, however
the school continues to thrive under their leadership.
Supporting them is a talented group of Head Teachers, who
ensure that staff are supported and challenged. My deep
thanks to them all.
Often unnoticed is the work of the SAS staff in the office,
kitchens, library, print room, laboratories and grounds.
These people continue to ensure that the school functions
smoothly each day, and I publicly acknowledge their skills,
commitment, and hard work.
We do see some staff leave us, with Coreena Martin (Art,
English and Science returning to Orange), Geoff Pelley
(Art, returning to Orange), Sandra Chopping (HSIE,
retiring), Hannah Scotney (tutoring position, going
overseas), Jack English (HSIE and Science teaching, going
overseas), Tim Cusack (long term valued SLSO, moved to
south coast), Susan Hugo (School Counsellor, appointed to
Kelso Public), Julie Hanman (PDHPE, commenced
counsellor in training program at Bathurst High), Arthur
Jenkins (retiring from Mathematics faculty), Robyn Douglas
(Science, relocating to Melbourne), Kingsley Picker
(Science, leave pending retirement), Lesley Picker (HSIE,
leave pending retirement), Merridy Connor (long term
valued SLSO, resigned)
In conclusion, I need to emphasise the benefit of the
Denison College model to Kelso High Campus. Over 250
students undertake shared courses each week, proof of the
worth of this partnership. Very few options are not available
for any senior student, thanks to this innovation. Along with
this structure comes the welcome relationship with Geoff
Hastings, the Principal of Bathurst High Campus, and Craig
Petersen, the Denison College Principal. My thanks to them
both for a great year for the College.
To all the Kelso High community, thank you for your
support this year, and I wish you all a safe and joyous
holiday.
Keith Peasley
The Kelso Educational Enrichment Project, or KEEP, has
continued to provide opportunities for the most capable and
motivated students with outcomes such as a pizza oven on a
trailer. Some small changes will ensure this project is
integrated into classrooms in 2013, ensuring all our most
talented students can undertake enriching activities across the
curriculum.
2012 has also seen the first year of the Record of School
Achievement, replacing the School Certificate. The
withdrawal of the external exam means that a new series of
assessments will represent the achievements of every Year
10 student. More than ever, attendance, application and
attitude will determine how school performance over years
Presenting the 2013 leaders at a recent assembly.