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KINGYSPIRIT Newsletter ISSUE 3 | TERM 1 | WEEK 9 | 24 March 2025

PRINCIPAL’S COLUMN

Cyclone Alfred

Our school has been fully operational for just over a week, although it certainly seems a lot longer. The first few days of last week saw a tremendous effort to get our school open again as quickly as possible on the part of many of our staff, as well as supporting Department of Education officers, charged with emergency asset recovery.

Last Thursday we still had 22 classrooms we could not use, including all of J Block which was cut off initially by rising dam water and then by residual mud across the walkway. We also had significant residual flooding to a number of key walkways, a waterlogged back oval, many damaged trees and our Main Quad shade sails completely destroyed.

We have been fully operational since Wednesday, although we are still getting rid of the last of the mould in a number of our classrooms.

NAPLAN

The majority of our Years 7 and 9 students will have completed their NAPLAN testing by the end of last week. Testing was postponed from the cyclone affected dates which were scheduled in Week 7.

NAPLAN provides an incredibly valuable data on student progress in literacy and numeracy, which informs our planning around curriculum delivery and learning support for Stages 4 and 5.

Open Boys Cricket

Commiserations to the boys who, with the support of Mr Anderson and Mr Ella, came so very close to the state final, going down to Model Farms High School last Friday.

North Coast Swimming

On a similar note, best of luck to all of our swimmers representing our school at the North Coast Swimming Championships in Kempsey.

Open Night

Our Open Night for all members of our school community and particularly prospective parents of Year 7 students from 2026 and beyond, will now take place next Thursday, 27 March 2025. The original, cyclone impacted date was Thursday 6 March and all the activities planned for that evening will now take place on Thursday 27 March – please refer to separate flyer in this issue of Kingy Spirit.

Parent Teacher Nights

These are fast approaching as Term 1 begins to draw to an end, next Tuesday 1 April (Years 10, 11 and 12) and the following Tuesday 8 April (Years 7, 8 and 9). Families have been emailed details of these evenings.

Wishing all of our school community a great week.

GENERAL NEWS

OPEN NIGHT

Join us for an evening packed with information, displays and activities for all our current and prospective new enrolments.

The evening will feature a specific information session for those considering enrolment into our school from Year 7 2026 and beyond, taking place in our Library from 5:30pm-6:00pm, which includes short presentations relating to the Kingscliff High School Pinnacle Program, aligned with the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education policy; our Sports Excellence program and our STEM Program. Additionally, you will have the chance to meet with the Principal, Deputy Principals and the Year 7 2026 Year Adviser for any further questions you may have.

For our current Year 7 2025 families, there will be the opportunity to meet with the Year 7 2025 Year Adviser.

Food Trucks will be available on site, so come join us for a bite to eat whilst exploring our facilities.

SAFTEY CONCERNS

Concerns have been raised regarding the unsafe use of e-bikes by students on school grounds and in surrounding areas.

The safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority. It is essential that all students follow safe practices when using any form of transportation, including e-bikes. Reckless use of e-bikes not only puts your child at risk but also endangers others in our community.

Students found using e-bikes unsafely will face consequences, which may include suspension of their riding privileges to and from school.

Additionally, we remind you of our policy regarding bike use on Wednesdays (Sport day). E-bikes and pushbikes should not be ridden to or from off-site sports activities. Students who ride their bikes to school on Wednesdays must leave their bikes at school and collect them at the end of the day. This policy is in place to ensure student safety and support the smooth running of sport sessions.

We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing safe and responsible e-bike use with your child. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you for your support of this important issue.

NSW PARLIMENT VISIT

The school captains from Kingscliff High School had the exciting opportunity to visit NSW Parliament House on Thursday 20 March 2025. This exclusive excursion was available to only two leaders from each school in our district. Our school captains, Archie Shipley and Beatrice Spaulding, were privileged to attend this event, which featured a guided tour of Government House, visits to the public galleries of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council chambers, and informative addresses by Members of Parliament on how Parliament operates. They also had the honour of meeting Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AO, QC, Governor of NSW. It was a memorable and enriching day for all participants

HEAD LICE

VACCINATIONS

As part of the NSW School Vaccination Program, vaccines are offered to Year 7 and Year 10 students at no cost to parents/carers.

Year 7 Students (Monday 7 April 2025)

* diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (1 dose)

* human papillomavirus (HPV) (1 dose).

Year 10 students (Thursday 22 May 2025)

* meningococcal ACWY vaccine (1 dose).

A catch-up day for both year groups will be held in September.

Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received.

To provide consent for vaccination online, parents/carers will need:

* To complete online consent parents/carers need to visit the School Vaccination Program online consent portal (https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage).

* For detailed steps on how to provide consent please refer to the NSW Health webpage, How to Provide Consent (https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx)

For online consent parents/carers will need:

* their ServiceNSW log-in details, or to create an account with ServiceNSW if they don't already have one

* Medicare details for parents/carers and their child.

Benefits of online consent for parents/carers:

* SMS notification three days before the clinic to remind parents of the vaccination day * SMS notifications on the day once vaccinations are given

* easy updating of their child's details online

* faster upload of their child's vaccination records to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

If you are unable to register online, paper consent forms are available at the front office.

2025 GAME CHANGER CHALLENGE

The Game Changer Challenge is an activity that centres on discovering solutions for a real-world, wicked problem. The 2025 wicked problem is “Ensure sustainable futures for all”.

The 2025 wicked problem is inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12. As part of a team, you will explore innovative ways to create a more sustainable world—rethinking how we use resources, reduce waste, and build communities that are resilient, inclusive, and future-focused. Get ready to research, prototype, and pitch bold ideas that could shape the future.

This challenge isn’t just about solving problems. It’s also about what you take away from the experience. You’ll learn to think like a designer, solve real-world issues, and work as a team to bring bold ideas to life. Along the way, you’ll develop skills that matter: collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication. You’ll connect with industry experts, gain confidence in pitching ideas, and, most importantly, realise that your voice and ideas can drive real change.

If you are interested in being part of the Game Changer Challenge, see Mrs O’Keeffe, Science

FREE PARENT WEBINARS

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent-Teacher Nights:

Years 10, 11, & 12: Tuesday 1 April 2025 (Week 10, Term 1) in the MPU, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Years 7, 8, & 9: Tuesday, 8 April 2025 (Week 11, Term 1) in the MPU, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

Appointments can be made online through the Parent Portal at:

https://kingscliff-h.sentral.com.au/auth/portal

Information has been emailed to families on 21/3/25. If you did not receive the letter or do not yet have access to the Parent Portal, please contact the school for assistance.

2026 Year 7 Pinnacle Program

Each year Kingscliff High School runs a program to cater for aspirational Year 7 students known as the Pinnacle Program. The philosophy behind the Pinnacle Program is to provide a challenging educational environment for students who endeavour to display high levels of academic and personal achievement with a commitment to learning. Student selection utilises the NSW Department of Education High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) Policy in the domains of creative, intellectual, physical and social-emotional.

Applications for the 2026 Year 7 Pinnacle Program will open on Wednesday 30 April 25. The application form will be made available on the Kingscliff High School website soon. The important dates are:

* Applications open - Wednesday 30/4/25

* Applications close - Friday 30/5/25

* Selection Assessments - Wednesday 11/6/25, from 6pm

* Student Interviews - Thursday 12/6/25 and Friday 13/6/25

Please contact Jacinta O'Keeffe, Pinnacle Program Coordinator, if you have any questions.

Big Science Competition

STUDENT TRAVEL

MURWILLUMBAH YOUTH FESTIVAL

Sport

Hockey Tweed have a new competition starting up for High School Students.

It will begin on Tuesday 1st April 2025 @ 6:00 pm and end in September.

Prospective players don't need a team - we can arrange to put them in teams or they can create their own team with their friends.

To register follow this link and select the club they would like to join then select age group 12 to 18 years of age.

https://www.hockeytweed.com.au/registration

WELLBEING

Meet our Kingscliff High School Relieving Head Teacher Welfare (HTW) and Student Support Officer (SSO)

PCYC PERFECT PRESENCE

The PCYC Perfect Presence Program, developed in collaboration with the Department of

Education, offers a suite of tailored learning activities designed to enhance students’

emotional intelligence, life skills, and cognitive engagement. The program aims to

reconnect participants with a sense of belonging, self-awareness, confidence, and a

passion for learning. Through personalized learning modules, students address their

unique needs and goals, equipping them with skills to succeed academically and

personally.

THE FAMILY CENTRE

1:1 youth and family support to students

Tweed Coast Youth Services

Groups for Year 9 and 10 Boys

BREAKFAST CLUB

Free breakfast weekly

HARMONY DAY

On Friday 21 March, we celebrated Harmony Day at Kingscliff High School with bracelet

making, origami, and creating a beautiful Aboriginal artwork piece together.

Student Support Officer Caz also shared a meal with our EAL/D students who all brought in a

traditional dish from their various cultural backgrounds to eat together in celebration of our

cultural diversity in Australia.

School Calendar

We have a variety of exciting activities planned. Keep an eye on our school calendar for all the latest events.

You can access the Kingscliff High School calendar via the school’s website at:

Keep up to date with the latest announcements and events happening at Kingscliff High School. Take a moment to like our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/kingscliffhighschool

Check out our Instagram page. Click on the link to follow us https://www.instagram.com/p/CosxzQZBcpX/...

kingscliff high school p&c

P&C Uniform Shop

P&C Uniform Shop opening hours

Please note opening hours are subject to change due to limited staff availability for the P&C Uniform Shop

Please contact the P&C for further information

https://kingscliff-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/what-we-offer/p---c-uniform-shop.html

  • Payment at the P&C Uniform Shop is by cash, cheque, and EFTPOS.
  • The P&C Uniform Shop is located near our Science block on the left-hand side of the ramp.
  • For more information, please contact the P&C Uniform Shop at Email: pckingscliffhigh@gmail.com

Parent/Carer Contact Details

Updating contact details – are your contact details up to date?

Sometimes we will need to contact you, including on the day that your child is absent if you haven’t notified the school with a reason for your child being away.

If your contact details are out of date or if you’re not sure, please contact the Front Office staff so we can update our records and can contact you quickly when we need to.

Please include parent/carers name, address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contact details. Please remember to contact the school if any of these details or your circumstances change.

Credits:

Created with an image by OceanProd - "Modern electric bike battery on a cycle in the street"