A Message from our Principal

Kew High School is a co-educational school for students from years 7-12. It has over 1000 students from the neighbourhoods of Kew, Balwyn, Ivanhoe, East Ivanhoe, Alphington, Clifton Hill, Richmond, Abbotsford and Hawthorn with waiting lists at many levels. Demand for enrolment at Year 7 is in excess of available places and many nationalities are represented in the population.

A great number of our staff has contributed to the growth and success of Kew High School for many years and we have been lucky to recruit some talented and enthusiastic new members who also believe in our vision and values. In addition, a strong team of leading teachers has assisted in the formulation and development of the school’s charter, goals, directions, processes and policies.

Kew High School has established a firm reputation for providing a secure environment and high quality learning experiences to help all students achieve their full potential. We value a strong code of conduct supported by an anti harassment policy and believe that our students are better prepared for learning when they are healthy, safe and happy. We are a Health Promoting school. With our Student Welfare co ordinator, Chaplain and local student support services we are able to provide excellent pastoral care and programs to help our adolescents deal constructively with difficult issues. We provide a supportive environment where truth, honesty and respect for diversity are promoted.

The focus of the school is on teaching and learning. Everything else that we do at the school supports this.

Our emphasis on sport and music is reflected in the increased variety and number of our musical ensembles and in the high participation rate of our students in sport at all levels. Our VET programs provide wider choices for our students. An expanded VCE allows Year 10 students to undertake VCE subjects. Through our Quest programs and electives we offer opportunities for extension and enrichment. Students are involved in a broad range of offerings including science photography, forensic science, debating, history and Maths challenges, solar car challenge and the Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Computer technology has been progressively integrated into the curriculum. The school has four fully equipped computer laboratories, many pods of computers in classrooms with two class sets of laptops using wireless technology and further technology support in our well-equipped Resource Centre.

The school has a high expectation of its students and encourages positive attitudes to learning and a belief in success. A large number of our students go on to tertiary studies at Melbourne, Monash and Latrobe Universities as well as TAFE, traineeships and directly to the world of work.

Teams of teachers work collaboratively with each other and with their students to achieve positive outcomes and build strong relationships. We encourage student consultation and participation through the Student Representative Council. We continually recognise student achievements and acknowledge student efforts through assemblies and our regular newsletters. Our merit certificate system at year 7 is most successful. The graduation ceremony and awards celebration at the end of the year is a highlight for our students.

Students are encouraged to become independent thinkers and to show initiative through adopting responsibility positions in various areas of their school life. We have School Captains, and Captains for Sport, Music, Drama, eLearning and the Environment. Student representatives in each class and form captains provide feedback and advice to the student body.

We believe in the importance of the partnership between teachers, students and parents. Our active association of Parents and Friends organises social events, working bees, fund-raising and contributes to school policy development. We also work to form genuine links with the wider community. Our School Community Involvement Program enables students to work with groups outside the school and our students participate in community events

The school has impressive facilities, which include a senior school centre, a gymnasium, a theatre, library, art gallery, ecology centre and a music and performing arts centre.

We have a clearly articulated vision underpinned by our agreed values. We are committed to a cycle of continuous improvement and are proud of our achievements.

CLARE ENTWISLE - PRINCIPAL