Page 185 - J Delaney - City of Cessnock Education and Schools

208 ...

KURRI KURRI HIGH SCHOOL

October 1963 gave birth to another aboriginal name in the
school's language - "Kalori" - a word meaning "letter stick" and therefore
most apt and appropriate for Kurri school's newspaper. A magazine
which has not only fulfilled its role as the school's bulletin, but
has won the Kurri High School honour in state-wide competition with
other school newspapers. The 1956-1981 'Silver Anniversay' edition
of Kurri High School 'Kalori' carries the hallmark of its previous
high standard and should become an 'heirloom' in the City of Cessnock.

An Ex-students' Union was formed in 1965.

A particularly fine achievement made in Kurri High School
has been the "0.D. Class" (Opportunity Deaf), formed in 1969 in the
Primary School, and eventually continued on to the High School until
1982, when all such handicapped children had completed their need
in education. The class had had as many as fourteen (14) deaf pupils,
all of whom acquitted themselves well in their fields of education;
surely a great tribute by a school, who gave "service and courage"
to win itself "honour" - a true personification of the school motto.
Special commendation to teachers Nancy Stockbridge, Helen Bishenden,
Paul Maloney, Sue Scott and others, who not only gave sympathy, but
also showed the best qualities of the teaching profession.

In yet another field, Kurri High School has been one of
the State's leaders. This is in the area of recognition and appreciation
of the region's local history. Most people today have.a serious interest
in their family history. Kurri High School has shown a practical
demonstration of its regard for our region's early and past events.
Mr. R.J. Brown, an ex-student of Kurri High School, who returned to
teach at the school, and later became Deputy Headmaster, comm~nced
a local history museum at Kurri High School. Mr. R.J. Brown has now
.become the Federal Member for the Electorate of Hunter in our Australian
Commonwealth Parliament. No doubt his zeal and interest stiil remains
for this very deserving aspect of Kurri High School achievements.