WELFARE & DISCIPLINE

GOOD DISCIPLINE & EFFECTIVE LEARNING
Our school aims to provide a positive learning environment during every lesson. Students who disrupt the learning of others can be removed from the normal school routine until they are prepared to contribute positively to the learning outcomes of the class. An important part of the welfare system is communication. Students experiencing difficulties can be identified by the classroom teachers and/or the year advisor.

The school counsellors provide a strong base to assist students to improve their learning experiences. A Student Support Team consisting of the Head Teacher/Welfare, the senior executive, the support teacher, careers adviser and counsellors regularly meet to work out how students needing help can be successfully guided.

School uniform is enforced. The students are proud of the school and display their correct uniform with pride.

Click here to view School Discipline Code.

SUPPORT PERSONNEL
We have a number of support personnel at Kirrawee High to assist students from Years 7-12 in all areas of learning. Mrs Melissa Kenehan is our learning support teacher who is on staff full time and her flexible timetable enables her to meet the changing needs of students and staff. There is also an itinerant support teacher and teacher's aide for vision and hearing impaired students who attend the school on a needs basis.

For any further information, please contact Mrs Kenehan by calling the school on 9521 2099.

YEAR 7 TEACHING TEAMS
Several years ago the practice of forming teaching teams was trialled for Year 7. The strategy aimed to make the transition from primary to high school more comfortable by reducing the number of face to face teachers that a student might have in a week. This trial was evaluated and considered successful. The concept of teaching teams with a team leader responsible for each class has been in operation since. Ongoing evaluations monitor the success of this strategy.

PEER SUPPORT
The Peer Support program is currently running in 470 secondary schools. Year 10 students are trained to become leaders of a small group of Year 7 students at the Peer Support Camp at the end of Year 10.

At the beginning of the next year they take up these positions. The groups meet formally for 10 sessions and undergo a structured course of activities. The course is designed to foster friendship, confidence, self-esteem, communication skills, self acceptance, self responsibility and conflict resolution skills. They also develop a small family group led by more mature peers within the school and this helps to make their transition to high school more personal and less threatening.

The benefits gained by the Year 11 students are often overwhelming. Feedback shows that the students develop a responsible and caring relationship with their group. They also develop leadership skills, increased confidence and self-esteem and an increased ability to communicate with and understand different people. The senior student is a valuable resource and Peer Support can give them a positive role in the school. The skills that they develop are important future life skills.