Assistant 

Principal Report 

As 2022 concludes, it is nice to reflect on the many achievements and school improvements that have taken place over the year. We have seen a lot of growth, change and strong displays of resilience from students, staff and the community. 

As many parents will be aware we have trialled the use of ‘interim reports’ or ‘progress reports’ as another layer of communication between the College and families. 

As of 2023 they will be available to all families four times a year, one for every term. These reports are designed to give you regular updates on your child’s performance in their academic achievement, effort and behaviour in different units of work. Progress reports differ from the end of semester reports:

• They provide a ‘snapshot’ about how your child is performing in key units of work, rather than against the whole curriculum in each learning area
• They will show your child’s progress in a colour coded table rather than comments.

We have had some feedback from staff and parents regarding our trial of the interim reports. Whilst the feedback was limited, there were some very good learnings to take from it and will certainly be considered for 2023 and beyond. 

A big shout out to our 2023 Senior class who we farewelled last Friday. As has become the tradition (at least for the past 12 months) our students have finished with an Amazing Race around the community. This year, we threw in some unique challenges that all students completed. I was astounded by their collective efforts and bravery to complete every activity. Kudos to community members and Police who were happy to be involved and thanks to Wayne Dubois at the Edenhope Butchers who took it in good spirits when the kids asked for a free bit of Fritz – without warning. The greatest test of character was the students having to busk singing Christmas carols in front of Ed’s with video evidence and they all lived up to the challenge. We look forward to working with this group in 2023 and 2024.

In the previous edition of Whytalla I missed the opportunity to farewell Jordan Baxter as he left school to start his full-time apprenticeship as a plumber with Matt Oliver. Jordan has been a very dedicated student this year with his work in VET Sport and Recreation and many community members would have witnessed his work assisting with Auskick training in term 2. As Jordan was leaving Dash Adams put forward a compelling case that fishing is the most popular recreational sport in the world, and whilst the yabbies were going in the inlet, our class should go. It was a fitting farewell and the yabby sandwiches were amazing. It was a simple, yet great reminder, that education doesn’t only exist in the four walls of a classroom and some skills, like collaboration and team-work, are well suited to the outdoors.

As this is the last newsletter for 2023, I would like to personally thank the ongoing support of the College and our students. Again, there have been challenges but there always has been and will be. It has been pleasing to see so many opportunities provided to our students this year. From the range of camps and excursions, to the equine program, the production, the Great Victorian Bike Ride, a re-emergence of the Ag program, the list goes on. It is a testament to the staff, students and wider-school community to make these things happen. 

Chad Frost