Principal's Report

As a very successful term concludes, I wonder what each student valued when they read their recent school report?  What was their measure of success?  A certain grade, a rank, maybe a comment around their effort?  As Principal, I measure success by scrutinizing who is on the path towards becoming a ‘self-directed, inquisitive and reflective learner’.

By self-directed, I mean children charged to become responsible for their own learning experiences and expected to become independent thinkers, that is to manage and organise their time.  Mistakes will be made; however, girls and boys need to develop the persistence to overcome obstacles and become resilient learners so they can bounce back from setbacks.  For as we all agree, failure is often the best form of learning.

I admire inquisitive learners who take risks through questioning, challenging and testing ideas. They are often creative thinkers and think laterally and imaginatively, finding novel and valuable solutions to problems they encounter.  They embrace collaborative activities and are empowered by a genuine passion and zest to discover ‘knowledge and wisdom’.

I respect reflective learners.  Young people who are engaged and have a strong sense of their ‘place in the world’.  They understand the relevance of their learning and develop an ethical understanding and broader sense of their own core values and principles. Finally, as critical thinkers, they develop a deeper understanding through solving problems, testing hypotheses, forming arguments and making conclusions.   I hope the conversations at Student/Parent/Teacher evening, tomorrow night, are rich and enlightening as we trial the opportunity to meet before the end of term.

On a different note, I hope you will consider representing the College this ANZAC Day.  The Hamilton ANZAC Day celebrations commence at 10am and I invite all local students to join us in the march at 9.45am near Gray Street Primary School.  Dress for all students is Full Blazer Uniform.

Finally, I thank all our students and wonderful teachers, indeed the entire staff team who have made this term so productive, dare I say ‘extra-ordinary’.  Our Easter Service yesterday was a wonderful occasion to listen to several amazing choirs and to reflect on the Easter message.  I thank you for your support this term and wish every family a safe and restful Easter break.