Kiama High School
Encyclopedia
Kiama High School is a New South Wales Government co-educational secondary school
located in the town of Kiama, New South Wales
, Australia
.
and is surrounded by three plutonic flows. The school itself is built on a rock layer named Kiama Tuff. The sedimentary rocks nearby contain excellent examples of sedimentary fossils.
The new M block enjoys a 180 degree ocean view from which the Kiama lighthouse is visible. During high seas the surge from the Kiama Blowhole
is sometimes visible from the M block balcony. The annual whale migrations are also visible from this spot.
provided A$3.5 million in a rebuilding program which saw several timber buildings dating back to the 1960's demolished and replaced with modern multi storey brick and corrugated iron structures with ample modern natural lighting. The school sits on an easterly sloping block bounded to the east by the South Coast Railway Line
, south of Kiama Station
.
The two storey L block replaced B block. This new building, completed in 2004, includes 4 modern computer labs equipped with ergonomic furnishings. Also housed are 8 general purpose class rooms and a large common study area on each level.
Adjacent to block L is the new three storey block M. This three storey building was built to replace the former block D, block C and an increasing number of demountable buildings on the southern oval. The block D foundations were sinking and unstable. Building commenced in 2006 and was officially completed in February 2007 ready for the 2007 school year. The building consists of three storeys which house the new combined staffroom on the upper level and Music
, Art
, and PDHPE
below.
The new block M lift provides wheelchair access to buildings M, L and existing buildings via a new multi storey ramp
which services both buildings from the A block pathway to provide level access to buildings on the otherwise steeply sloped site. Students and staff now enjoy beautiful beach
, ocean
and lighthouse
views from the newly completed three storey high ramp.
examinations at the end of each year.
Students in year 11 complete a preliminary course. Upon its completion at the end of term 3, year 12 graduate and year 11 commence the Higher School Certificate (HSC) course, the graduating high school qualification offered in New South Wales.
school. PC's are also used, mainly for accounting purposes. Austar
(satellite television) is available in the library and is distributed to other parts of the school through the school's network infrastructure.
The SRC hold elections for each grade during the second semester of the school year. A member elects to campaign for a position on the council and must also have a recommendation from a fellow peer and teacher. Generally four to six students are elected from each year, with a gender equal ratio. These students represent their grade for the third and fourth terms until the first and second term of the following year. Elections may be suspended until third term occasionally.
Year 11 students elect to vote for a male and female captain
, a male and female vice captain and two more students, a male and female, to fill the positions of secretary
and treasurer
. These students form the executive committee
which is chaired by the principal, and presided over by the deputy principals and the teacher in charge of the SRC. The school captains represent the graduating year and provide peer leadership to the entire student body. Year 7 has no representation until the mid year elections.
SRC meetings are occasionally attended by the school principal Graeme Sutherland or the deputy principal, Noela Lewis.
and funding King Jika Moto his community through donations raised by the school community. The 2006 SRC attempted to introduce new events into the school such as a film festival. The KHS SRC also raises funds to support external worthy causes such as CanTeen
(a support network for teens with cancer), Pink Ribbon Day (for breast cancer awareness), Daffodil Day and others. The SRC raises funds for these causes by organising events such as out of uniform days and the occasional sale of popular treats which are ordinarily unavailable from the school canteen.
The Stage band is known for their annual Jazz Festival, Rotary Club, Leaders Induction and Graduation performances and are asked to perform many more times at such events as Wollongong Steelers Club and religious events.
The senior concert band as also traveled on tours over the past few years including Melbourne, New Zealand and Queensland and recently Tasmania.
finals, as well as having former students as national representatives.
The year 7 sports rolls use a naming convention based on native Australian wildlife. Each roll is allocated a mascot and each mascot is a member of a sporting house.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
located in the town of Kiama, New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
Natural environment
Geologically, Kiama High School is located in a unique region of NSW. The school sits beneath Saddleback MountainSaddleback Mountain
Saddleback Mountain is the name of a number of mountains worldwide.-In the United States:California* Saddleback Maine* Saddleback Junior, 574662...
and is surrounded by three plutonic flows. The school itself is built on a rock layer named Kiama Tuff. The sedimentary rocks nearby contain excellent examples of sedimentary fossils.
The new M block enjoys a 180 degree ocean view from which the Kiama lighthouse is visible. During high seas the surge from the Kiama Blowhole
Kiama Blowhole
The Kiama Blowhole is a blowhole in the town of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. It is the town's major tourist attraction. Under certain sea conditions, the blowhole can spray water up to 25 metres in the air, in quantities that thoroughly drench any bystanders...
is sometimes visible from the M block balcony. The annual whale migrations are also visible from this spot.
Rebuilding program
In 2003, the Government of New South WalesGovernment of New South Wales
The form of the Government of New South Wales is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1856, although it has been amended many times since then...
provided A$3.5 million in a rebuilding program which saw several timber buildings dating back to the 1960's demolished and replaced with modern multi storey brick and corrugated iron structures with ample modern natural lighting. The school sits on an easterly sloping block bounded to the east by the South Coast Railway Line
South Coast railway line, New South Wales
The South Coast Line is in the intercity region of Sydney's CityRail services. It serves the coastal region to the south of the Sydney metropolitan area including the Illawarra region, most notably the regional city of Wollongong, and extended services reach as far as Nowra in Shoalhaven.- Line...
, south of Kiama Station
Kiama railway station, New South Wales
Kiama is an intermediate terminal station on the CityRail South Coast line. It serves the town of Kiama. The station opened on 2 June 1893. In 2001 electric train services were extended from Dapto to Kiama, and Kiama remains the limit of electrification...
.
The two storey L block replaced B block. This new building, completed in 2004, includes 4 modern computer labs equipped with ergonomic furnishings. Also housed are 8 general purpose class rooms and a large common study area on each level.
Adjacent to block L is the new three storey block M. This three storey building was built to replace the former block D, block C and an increasing number of demountable buildings on the southern oval. The block D foundations were sinking and unstable. Building commenced in 2006 and was officially completed in February 2007 ready for the 2007 school year. The building consists of three storeys which house the new combined staffroom on the upper level and Music
Music
Music is an art form whose medium is sound and silence. Its common elements are pitch , rhythm , dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture...
, Art
Art
Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....
, and PDHPE
PDHPE
PDHPE is a subject in the New South Wales school curriculum. It is a compulsory subject in the K-10 curriculum, and available as an elective in years 11 and 12...
below.
The new block M lift provides wheelchair access to buildings M, L and existing buildings via a new multi storey ramp
Multi-storey car park
A multi-storey car-park is a building designed specifically to be for car parking and where there are a number of floors or levels on which parking takes place...
which services both buildings from the A block pathway to provide level access to buildings on the otherwise steeply sloped site. Students and staff now enjoy beautiful beach
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
, ocean
Ocean
An ocean is a major body of saline water, and a principal component of the hydrosphere. Approximately 71% of the Earth's surface is covered by ocean, a continuous body of water that is customarily divided into several principal oceans and smaller seas.More than half of this area is over 3,000...
and lighthouse
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire, and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways....
views from the newly completed three storey high ramp.
Junior School
Students in years 7-10 are considered to be a part of the junior school and have a different school uniform to senior students. Juniors have yearly and half yearly exams in nearly every subject, with year 10 sitting for the NSW School CertificateSchool Certificate
The School Certificate was a qualification issued by the Board of Studies, New South Wales, typically at the end of Year 10. The successful completion of the School Certificate is a requirement for completion of the Higher School Certificate...
examinations at the end of each year.
Senior School
Years 11-12 make up the senior school. Senior students have a different school uniform to the juniors.Students in year 11 complete a preliminary course. Upon its completion at the end of term 3, year 12 graduate and year 11 commence the Higher School Certificate (HSC) course, the graduating high school qualification offered in New South Wales.
Information Communication Technology
Kiama high school embraces the use of ICT. The school is a predominantly MacintoshMacintosh
The Macintosh , or Mac, is a series of several lines of personal computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc. The first Macintosh was introduced by Apple's then-chairman Steve Jobs on January 24, 1984; it was the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a mouse and a...
school. PC's are also used, mainly for accounting purposes. Austar
Austar
Austar is an Australian telecommunications company. Its main business activity is Subscription Television but it is also involved with internet access and mobile phones...
(satellite television) is available in the library and is distributed to other parts of the school through the school's network infrastructure.
Student Representative Council
A Student Representative Council embeds itself within the school community and is involved in numerous charity campaigns and school events.The SRC hold elections for each grade during the second semester of the school year. A member elects to campaign for a position on the council and must also have a recommendation from a fellow peer and teacher. Generally four to six students are elected from each year, with a gender equal ratio. These students represent their grade for the third and fourth terms until the first and second term of the following year. Elections may be suspended until third term occasionally.
Year 11 students elect to vote for a male and female captain
School Captain
School Captain is a student appointed or elected to represent the school.This student, usually in the senior year, in their final year of attending that school...
, a male and female vice captain and two more students, a male and female, to fill the positions of secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
and treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
. These students form the executive committee
Executive Committee
Executive Committee may refer to:* The Executive Committee of the Privy Council of Northern Ireland, a government body in the United Kingdom 1921–1972* The Northern Ireland Executive, a government body in the United Kingdom...
which is chaired by the principal, and presided over by the deputy principals and the teacher in charge of the SRC. The school captains represent the graduating year and provide peer leadership to the entire student body. Year 7 has no representation until the mid year elections.
SRC meetings are occasionally attended by the school principal Graeme Sutherland or the deputy principal, Noela Lewis.
SRC Representatives
SRC representatives are generally highly regarded by their peers due to their role in the organisation of many recreational activities and special events. Such events are generally either funded by the council or presented to the school by the council. The KHS SRC of 2005 were noted for their success in adopting a child from ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
and funding King Jika Moto his community through donations raised by the school community. The 2006 SRC attempted to introduce new events into the school such as a film festival. The KHS SRC also raises funds to support external worthy causes such as CanTeen
CanTeen
CanTeen, The Australian Organisation for Young People Living with cancer, is the national support organisation for young people living with cancer; including cancer patients, their brothers and sisters and young people with parents or primary carers with cancer.CanTeen was created by young cancer...
(a support network for teens with cancer), Pink Ribbon Day (for breast cancer awareness), Daffodil Day and others. The SRC raises funds for these causes by organising events such as out of uniform days and the occasional sale of popular treats which are ordinarily unavailable from the school canteen.
Music and Performing Arts
Kiama High School has developed many performing ensembles including the Vocal Group (organised by Mr Terry Wild), Junior Band, Senior Concert Band and the well known Stage Band (organised by Mr Graham Deans).The Stage band is known for their annual Jazz Festival, Rotary Club, Leaders Induction and Graduation performances and are asked to perform many more times at such events as Wollongong Steelers Club and religious events.
The senior concert band as also traveled on tours over the past few years including Melbourne, New Zealand and Queensland and recently Tasmania.
Sport
Kiama High School has done very well in CHS sporting events, including reaching the national rugby leagueRugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
finals, as well as having former students as national representatives.
The year 7 sports rolls use a naming convention based on native Australian wildlife. Each roll is allocated a mascot and each mascot is a member of a sporting house.
House Competition
All students are involved in the annual house competition. Staff and students are assigned to the houses Dunstan, Kendall, Bass and Flinders. Roll groups and year 7 sporting rolls are divided into houses.Noteworthy alumni
- Jack Alexander, Australian and NSW Rugby League representative.
- Matt BrownMatt Brown (Australian politician)Matthew James "Matt" Brown is an Australian politician, elected as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Kiama between 1999 and 2011...
, NSW Labor Member for Kiama. - Kim Dalton (27 April 1981 - 1 November 2005), Kiama's first international TaekwondoTaekwondoTaekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
representative, multiple NSW, Victorian and Australian champion, fifth dan blackbelt and Illawarra's highest ranked female blackbelt. Author of The Real Fight and KHS school captain. Winner of Kiama Junior Sports Award, inductee in the inaugural Kiama Sporting Hall of Fame 2008. Life saver Kiama SLSCSurf Life Saving ClubSurf Life Saving Clubs are volunteer institutions at Australia's beaches. The clubs conduct surf lifesaving services on weekends and public holidays and host many beach sport activities, such as Nippers, surf carnivals and other competitions...
. - Sally FitzgibbonsSally FitzgibbonsSally Fitzgibbons is an Australian professional surfer on the Association of Surfing Professionals World Tour . She was born in Nowra, NSW Australia, on 12 December 1990.-Surfing career:...
, the current U18's Girls Junior World SurfingSurfingSurfing' is a surface water sport in which the surfer rides a surfboard on the crest and face of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore...
Champion. - Donna Kosta, a national TaekwondoTaekwondoTaekwondo is a Korean martial art and the national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae means "to strike or break with foot"; kwon means "to strike or break with fist"; and do means "way", "method", or "path"...
champion. - Robbie MaddisonRobbie MaddisonRobert William Maddison, commonly known as Robbie Maddison and "Maddo" in Caringbah, Australia is an Australian motorbike stunt rider from the town of Kiama, New South Wales....
, world record for the longest motorcycle ramp jump at 322 feet 7½. - Former students Josh MorrisJosh MorrisJosh Morris is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League competition. A New South Wales State of Origin representative backline player, Josh is the twin brother of Brett Morris who plays first grade for his previous club...
and Brett MorrisBrett MorrisBrett Morris is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the St. George Illawarra Dragons of the National Rugby League. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he is the son of St...
are rugby league players for the St George Illawarra DragonsSt George Illawarra DragonsThe St George Illawarra Dragons is an Australian professional rugby league football club, representing the St. George and Illawarra regions. They have competed in the National Rugby League since 1999 as a joint venture between Sydney's historic St. George Dragons club and 1982 expansion club, the...
. - Former student Ashton SimsAshton SimsAshton Sims is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the North Queensland Cowboys of the National Rugby League . A Fiji international representative forward, he previously played for the St. George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Broncos...
is a rugby league player for the Brisbane BroncosBrisbane BroncosThe Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
. - Rod WishartRod WishartRod Wishart is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s. A New South Wales State of Origin and Australia international representative goal-kicking winger, he played club football with the Illawarra Steelers and the St...
, Australian and NSW Rugby League representative.