The Honourable Justice Stewart Austin and Sebel Kirkton Park human resources officer Tabatha Parkinson were the guest speakers.

Justice Austin graduated from the school in 1978 and is now one of just 33 federal judges in Australia.

He spoke about his experience studying law in Sydney coming from a public school, and used the school motto ‘making the best of ourselves’ to convey to the students that they did not need to be from a high socio-economic area to achieve.

Mrs. Parkinson spoke about the programs that Sebel has been involved in with the school and the importance of these programs for the development of the students preparing to take the next step after finishing school.

Kurri High principal David Hunter discussed the school plan that is reviewed every three years, which included maintenance of literacy and numeracy, aboriginal education, teacher quality, leadership, community engagement and partnership, and student attainment and attendance.

He also spoke about the core business plan of the school which is to provide a high quality general education and produce good citizens within the community who are work ready.

He said the purpose of the breakfast was to give something back to the community and help the attendees learn about the school.

Kurri High School community liaison officer Heather Sutherland spoke about the School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships (SBATs) program, and the alternate pathway it offers to the students.

The program gives students the opportunity to gain a Vocational Education and Training qualification, and provides hands on experience through paid employment in the field.

“It is a valuable thing for the students to be able to do,” she said.