Message from the Principal

Calrossy Strategic Plan 2025

Calrossy has recently engaged in a Strategic Planning exercise, to chart the next stage of development and growth of the school. Understanding our identity as a Regional Boarding and Day school has been central to the process.

The entire School community contributed to the development of this Plan. Through surveys, research, focus groups and community feedback, members of the school each brought their unique perspectives and deep passion to the process. We debated, challenged, listened and ultimately created a strategy that is informed and of high validity, because of broad involvement.

Some strategic themes emerged from our deliberations:

1. the need for us to be a regional school that develops a community that lives with purpose, grows our people and learns in partnership; 
2. a belief in the power of a transformative education that builds strong character; and 
3. providing relevant and sustainable education in a Christian context, growing our students with knowledge and skills as ‘tools’ to live and work in a complex world beyond school. 

We do this in our context as a day and boarding school in regional NSW.

For a school to remain relevant in what is our rapidly changing world, we must equip our students to make a difference, preparing them to impact on our community and make a difference, locally, nationally and globally. Founded on the Good news of Jesus and our distinctive school values, for over 100 years Calrossy has been committed to assisting students in learning, growing and serving as integral to education that equips students to make a difference and the school continues to do this. Whilst assisting students to flourish and succeed whilst at school, we also focus on the future, growing students who are full of hope and who will act as agents of change that matters.

The Calrossy Vision - Creators of Hope and Change that Matters

“The strength of a school comes from its stories and traditions, but the future depends on relevance and a willingness to adapt and innovate.”

The Calrossy Mission - Excellence in a Christian Environment

Strategic Themes

Living with Purpose

Research makes it clear that purpose brings higher levels of engagement and wellbeing. Living with purpose means asking, “Why are we doing this?” before all engagements and activities, communicating it to ensure we continue to live in service to others.

Learning and Partnership

Constructive partnerships with and between parents, staff and students provides the consistency and clarity required for effective learning. Engaging with outside agencies brings real world relevant and inspiration for the future. Learning in partnership means authentic two way communication, sharing skills and knowledge in cooperation across the school.

Growing our People

Creating and embracing opportunities for all to experience growth is key to our ability to continue to offer excellence. Growing our people means that the students, teachers and all in our community develop skills and knowledge together, ensuring that we all move forward together.

I look forward to sharing more of the Strategic Plan as the term progresses.  Please find below a flyer which is a summary of some of the plan.

Miss Claire Dalziel and Mrs Smith

Over the past weekend our Head of Junior School Miss Dalziel was married to Mr Adam Smith. It was a beautiful day and a lovely ceremony.

Claire will return to Calrossy as Mrs Smith, which could be very confusing for both staff and students given the common (or popular) surname that she has chosen to adopt. I am sure I speak on behalf of the Calrossy community in wishing the couple every richest blessing for their future together and we look forward to welcoming Mrs Smith back to school shortly. I trust that a Head of Junior School and Principal with the same surname is not too chaotic or confusing.

New Chief Operating Officer

Mr Robert Faithfull has joined Calrossy as our new Chief Operating Officer. He will oversee the Finance Office and the smooth running and administration of the support and operational aspects of Calrossy. 

Robert an experienced and highly qualified business leader who brings a wealth of experience to our school. He has previously worked as a Chief Financial Officer and senior Manager for a number of companies in NSW and Victoria and has also worked as a business consultant. He also possesses extensive governance experience, having volunteered on the Trinity Grammar School Council (Victoria), as a founding Board member of the Grow Hope Foundation (indigenous youth), also having sat on the Boards of St Paul’s Cathedral (Melbourne) and Calrossy Anglican School. He possesses MBA and FACP qualifications and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Robert is married with adult children, is currently a member of the Armidale Anglican Community and lists photography and remote camping amongst his hobbies. I welcome Robert to Calrossy.

Aladdin Jr, the Musical

After much hard work and practice, at last our time to perform this lovely School Musical has arrived. It is a very funny show and should not be missed. Children and adults will really enjoy it! 

After two years of COVID, we are delighted to be able to perform to live audiences on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights this week, with a matinee on Friday afternoon. See the notices section of this newsletter and whether your children are performing or not, book to attend and come. One of the things we have learned through COVID is that we have greatly missed such events and they are what characterize community and relationships at Calrossy. To all performers and our hard working staff, ‘Break a leg’.

HSC Exams have Started

We are now into Week 2 of the HSC exams. I am certain that all Calrossy families join me in expressing their best wishes, prayers and support to the students as they complete their final examinations. At the end of last term we enjoyed a lovely graduation ceremony and a fun Formal Valedictory Dinner, capped off by a fireworks display as a finale. Best wishes to all Year 12.

David Smith

Principal