Principal's Report

Principal's Report

Last Friday I had the immense pleasure of travelling to watch 29 Cowra High students perform in the 2016 NSW Schools Spectacular, Dreaming Big. I can say the students had no reason to dream big, they have already achieved the heights. I am incredibly proud to have had Cowra High students dancing in three segments of this truly prestigious production.

For 2016 the Spectacular moved to Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney’s Olympic Park. Before the performance I was concerned the move from the Sydney Entertainment Centre to such a large venue might mean some of the magic would be lost. I had no reason for concern, the performance was breathtaking. After many years I am still amazed by the talent to be found in NSW public schools and Cowra High specifically.

I congratulate all the students who danced, it was wonderful to not only see your incredible talent, but to also see the obvious joy on your faces. I also thank Beatrice Murray,  Alison Buckley, Prue Williams and Rodney Eastwood who have given up many hours preparing the students and looking after them in Sydney.

I will leave the final word to a parent of a primary student performing in the Spectacular, “The primary schools shared a lot of time with your students at rehearsals and on performance days, and your students were wonderful ambassadors for the high school. At all times they were courteous and helpful to both our staff and the younger students, and were excellent role models for the younger students from the two Cowra primary schools that were attending.” Our core values of Respect and Responsibility in action.

Our school Presentation Day Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 13 December at 9.30am in the school hall. I encourage you to come along and celebrate the achievements of our students.

This week elections for the Cowra High Junior AECG (Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group) were held. Our team for 2017 will be: President - Jesse Murray, Vice President - Jaylee Dunn, Secretary - Imajen James, Treasurer - Jeleaha Cutmore, Local Reps - Nyassa Wright, Kyah Johnstone, Brendan Pitt, Zach Pollard, Djahn Newton, Murrie Coe, Tayah Burns, Matthew Booker, Bobbie Barker, Blake Williams, Kelsey Pollard & Bobby Jeffries. I congratulate these fine student leaders and applaud the enthusiasm they have showed towards their new roles.

Stop Work Meeting

We have been notified that the NSW Teachers’ Federation has directed members to stop work for up to 1 hour on Thursday 8 December. The NSW TF has advised us that this action is to:

• view a televised broadcast explaining the terms of settlement for a new salaries & conditions award, and future campaign action to address workload & related issues;
• debate and vote on endorsing the settlement and future campaign action.

Please be advised that the majority of teachers, including executive staff are likely to be involved in this action and therefore classroom lessons will not take place for the first 1 hour of this day. Only minimal supervision for those students who attend at that time will be provided.

Last day for 2016

The holidays are fast approaching, with the excitement growing in the students. Lessons are continuing until the last school day for the year on Friday 16 December.

Have a great fortnight

Charles Gauci