From the Principal
Message from the Principal - Mr David Smith
Education Review
For the first time in over 30 years, a review of the NSW education system is being undertaken. The purpose and outcome of education for students is being conducted, looking at how education equips children for their future. The review leader is the respected educator, Mr Geoff Masters. The first draft of the year-long consultation is currently sitting with the NSW Cabinet. Main ideas being shared are around making the curriculum more flexible and allowing schools to make locally based decisions around the needs of their students
Simultaneously a Federal body is reviewing the Melbourne Declaration, a joint statement of Australian education ministers, affirming the purpose of schooling across Australia. Terms such as Equity and Excellence are included, and there is a strong emphasis on providing access to quality teaching and learning to all students of all ages, regardless of location or context.
ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) released an information letter for parents last month, which includes information on NAPLAN and opportunity to respond to a survey on the Melbourne Declaration Review, as well as useful ideas to use in asking students about their school day. The letter can be accessed via http://createsend.com/t/j-39F36900E0285F9C2540EF23F30FEDED
Learning at Calrossy
Whilst Calrossy has a voice in both reviews, our focus remains on the best possible learning for our students. My mantra is that we must “keep the main thing, the main thing!” Student learning is our "Main Thing" and amongst all the voices around education, we must never shift from seeking the very best opportunities for our learners, from Prep to Year 12. Whilst there is a competition aspect to education at the Year 12 end, helping every student to grow and supporting them to be the best possible learner they can be is vital. Every child deserves opportunity to be the best possible version of themselves.
Subject Selections
Years 8 and 10 students have made their selections for courses of study and electives into Year 9/10 and the HSC courses. Student preferences are being used to determine the timetable lines and classes. This system advantages most students and promotes maximum choice. There will always be a small number of students who do not get their first preference, due to timetable clashes or too few candidates choosing a specific subject.
Grease
Calrossy enjoyed a fabulous ‘season’ of Grease – the Musical, with students performing over three nights to appreciative audiences. Congratulations to the entire cast and to the staff who supported what was an energetic and enthralling show. Thanks to Mrs Naomi Turner, Mrs Amanda Ward, Mrs Elly Davies, Mr Glen Fletcher, Mrs Jen Jack and Mr Peter Hardes for their support the production. For those who missed the great performances, there is a snapshot of the musical available in our photo gallery on The Hub.
eCalrossy
We are promoting a unique and innovative approach to learning, offering a ‘distance’ option for Year 7 in 2020. More information is available on our website and families are invited to make contact as soon as possible to register their interest. If you have friends who might benefit from this option, please let them know.
Calrossy School Structure for 2021
I am grateful to parents, staff and students who contributed to our surveys on the best position for Year 10 students in 2021. A pleasing part of the feedback from all parties is the strong affirmation of our current Diamond Model as excellent practice in supporting a Together (Primary), Apart (Junior Secondary), Together (Senior Secondary) approach to learning and education. Staff planning to adopt our Junior and Senior Secondary Structure has commenced.
The decision about the positioning of Year 10 will be released early next week. With any survey, the response was mixed, and a great variety of views were expressed.
Our building Development Application is close to approval by Tamworth Regional Council. The tendering process for the construction of 10 new classrooms on the William Cowper Campus has commenced.
Boarder Muster
We enjoyed a wonderful weekend with our Boarding community, involving school sport, the Boarder Cup and some local hospitality. The competitiveness of the students in Oz Tag and Dodgeball was every evident. Boarder parent support at Rugby (girls and boys) and at Netball was appreciated. Many thanks to the Boarding staff and to the Parry, Fisher and Grant families (amongst many) for their roles in supporting the various events. There are more photos available for download from The Hub.