I hope you all enjoyed a well-deserved winter break, taking time to relax and recharge for the exciting term ahead. I trust everyone stayed safe, dry, and in good health.

As we embark on Term 3, we enter a new semester filled with opportunities for our students to reflect on their Semester 1 / Mid-Course reports and set fresh learning goals for the year. We encourage all students to refocus their efforts on improvement and engage wholeheartedly with their studies.

I am thrilled to share some wonderful news from our school community! This month, we were excited to welcome 19 students from China as part of our cultural exchange program. These students had the opportunity to experience life in an Australian school, and our hospitable Kogarah High students  eagerly embraced this opportunity to foster international friendships and cultural understanding. Who knows? A reciprocal visit may be on the horizon!

This term is particularly exciting for our Year 8 and Year 10 students as they select their electives and patterns of study for 2026. Our recent subject selection evening provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with parents and showcase the diverse range of subjects available at Kogarah High School. Our dedicated teachers engaged in meaningful discussions with students and parents, highlighting the wealth of choices that cater to various interests.

Additionally, our Year 11 students are busy completing their Preliminary HSC studies, while our Year 12 students are approaching the culmination of their 13-year schooling journey. Both year groups have important exams and HSC Trials, and we encourage them to stay focused and prepare diligently.

In the sporting arena, our track and field athletes have achieved remarkable success, alongside our football teams excelling in futsal competitions. Our hairdressing and barbering programs continue to thrive, with students honing their skills on both artificial and live models. We are also proud of the numerous students engaging in leadership and mentoring programs, as well as our ongoing collaboration with the Opera House, where Year 8 class groups are building their creative skills. These accomplishments serve as a testament to the incredible opportunities available to our students at Kogarah High School.

We look forward to strengthening our connections with families this term. Stay informed by checking our Schoolbytes emails, and don’t forget to follow us on the Kogarah High School Facebook page and Instagram for the latest updates.

As we progress through an eventful term, we are thrilled to share some of the key activities and achievements that have enriched our school community.

We began the term by reinforcing positive behaviours with PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning) presentations to students. These sessions have set a great tone, encouraging respect, responsibility, and resilience throughout the school.

Our adventurous spirit was on full display during the recent ski trip, where students embraced the winter slopes, building teamwork and confidence in a fun and challenging environment.

We had the privilege of hosting visitors from Suzhou North America High School in China. This cultural exchange provided a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with international peers, broadening their global perspectives.

Sporting enthusiasm was high at the St George and Sydney East Regional Oztag Tournament, where our teams showcased their skills and sportsmanship, representing our school with pride.

The BUILD program continues to inspire creativity and innovation among our students, fostering skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

Looking ahead, Year 8 and 10 students are currently undertaking the important process of subject selection for 2026. This pivotal step is supported by comprehensive guidance to help students make informed decisions about their academic pathways. This now starts the process of building our 2026 timetable so that we can ensure students have access to their desired learning pathways.

Academic growth remains a focus with the recent Check-in Assessments and participation in the Australian Mathematics Competition, providing valuable feedback to both students and teachers which will assist us in providing targeted lesson planning for all students.

Finally, our Year 12 students are currently sitting the Trial HSC examinations, a crucial milestone in their educational journey. They have demonstrated outstanding behaviour and resilience throughout this time.

We congratulate all students and staff for their dedication and enthusiasm this term and look forward to more exciting opportunities ahead!