Page 184 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

207.

KURRI KURRI HIGH SCHOOL

was officially opened on Saturday 4th August 1956. On the following Tuesday,
7th August 1956, a meeting of Kurri people met in the Assembly Hall of the
new High School; almost fifty (50) persons attended. This inaugural meeting
elected:-

President - Mr. Ted Talbot, local Kurri Chemist
Secretary - Mrs. Clare Brown
Treasurer - Mrs. M. Scott.

Over the years, this active group have raised some $10,000.0Q, which has been
spent wisely, to the benefit of the whole school. Quite a number of Parents
and Citizens members have been honoured with 'Life Membership' for their very
lengthy years of service. The 1984 Parents and Citizens current Officers
are:-

President - Mrs. Kathy Worthington
Secretary - Mrs. Betty Lowbridge
Treasurer - Mrs. Marilyn Donn.

With the commencement of 4th and 5th year classes at the start of
the 1957 school year, Kurri High School, at the end of the 1958 school year,
started yet another tradition - "Farewell Night" for the final year students.
The 'First Annual Speech Night' was also held in 1958.

Shortly after this period, Kurri High School introduced the "House"
system. Pupils enrolling at Kurri High School are placed in one of four houses.
These 'Houses" vie against each other for Annual School ~ouse Champion. Points
are awarded for sportsmanship, scholarship, civic service and honour projects;
all items and qualities exemplified in the Kurri High School Motto. The 'House-
names' chosen were all Aboriginal names and each significant with our universe:-

"Allunga" means the sun
"Lutana" means the moon
"Neewarra" means the star
"Kyeema" means the dawn.