PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Over recent weeks you may have noticed information regarding two new positions at The Riverina Anglican College – the Head of Secondary School and the Director of College Wellbeing. These two positions have come to fruition for a range of reasons, but primary amongst these is because of the quality feedback I have received from our students and families over the past three years. A recognition that from 2021, we will be a school that has a student age range of 4 ½ to 18 necessitates a more comprehensive view of wellbeing especially, but our overall culture as well.
The Head of Secondary School is a member of the College’s Senior Executive, and with the Head of Junior School will play a major role in the effective management of daily operations and College learning, behavioural and wellbeing culture. This person will be responsible for the total development of each student within the Secondary School (7-12) and for the implementation of The Riverina Anglican College’s vision, mission and core values in daily operations. The Head of Secondary School will work collaboratively with other College leaders to develop consistent practices and policies from Kindergarten to Year 12; in particular, in conjunction with the Head of Junior School – Mrs Kylie Chacon.
The Director of College Wellbeing will play an integral role in leading and enhancing all aspects of student, staff and community wellbeing and wellbeing education. They will be responsible for the review, development, implementation and oversight of exceptional wellbeing programs, structures, policies and procedures within the College (K-12) that align with the College mission, vision, and core values. In collaboration with myself, this person will develop and lead an effective and innovative approach to wellbeing that is responsive to the needs of the College’s students, staff and the wider community.
At The Riverina Anglican College, the immediate and long term focus of education must be to elicit the best from our students – no matter what level of intelligence or socio-economic status. Students must always understand that they are far more than the sum total of their bi-annual report or ATAR – or the post school options and choices available to them. Quality, reflective and inclusive education empowers and guides students on a journey to learn and to develop a love for life-long learning. The evolving K-12 academic and wellbeing culture at The Riverina Anglican College enhances far more than just the classroom practices – it encourages and empowers our students to learn to think for themselves in all of their daily challenges and relationships. Our students are being to be prepared to handle the variant situations they will encounter in their life and to continually strive to live lives of service and purpose and to value making continual positive impacts on others and society – locally, nationally and globally.
Understanding that the advancement of student knowledge with an absence of values education affords students a rather shallow basis for confronting the hurdles of life with a sense of confidence and self-realisation and self-awareness. Student voice – something that will be enhanced exponentially in 2021, character and values education are inexorably linked and are at the forefront of high quality and effective education. All staff at the College are dedicated to facilitating this with their students to aid in the development of the foundations of character and qualities such as leadership, excellence, resilience, integrity, compassion, honesty, humility and service. Now, more than ever a concerted and targeted program that empowers and encourages all young people to embrace and shape their future is essential. It is incumbent upon us as educators and parents to help the next generations to acquire and value the skills, inspiration and character to make a positive difference in the world.
It makes no difference if you are in Kindergarten or coming to the end of your time at The Riverina Anglican College and preparing for your final examinations – this is what we will do.
Together.
Paul Humble | Principal