Principal's Address

Flooding preventing attendance at school

Waking up Tuesday morning to a very dark house was the first indicator that it was going to be an interesting day. I had an inkling that this would be the case after listening to the gale force winds throughout the night. Opening the curtains to find the creek had burst its banks again signalled that it was going to be challenging day for many students and staff.

The staff who could make it to work, met early in the darkened staffroom to develop an action plan for the day. With only predictions of which staff and students could make it to school, it was an invigorating exercise. Classes were collapsed and an alternate timetable was developed for secondary to ensure every year group had a teacher for every period of the day and on duty during breaks. This resulted in some classes participating in alternate activities throughout the day as stranded staff could not send in lesson plans as the internet and phone services were also down.

Primary were also collapsed and divided into 2 groups – Infants and Primary. These classes were then taught throughout the day by a combination of available staff to ensure that it was as close to normal as possible and fun.

All of the students in attendance did a great job despite the change to routine and I would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Boorowa Central School staff for working flexibly as a team to provide a safe and engaging school environment for the students of our community.

For those who were cut off from school, I hope you all remained safe together and that flood water did not cause too much damage to your homes and properties.

I would also like to extend my thanks to Essential Energy, Hilltops Council and emergency services personnel for working tirelessly throughout the night and in the morning to ensure we had power and we were kept as safe as possible in the very dangerous conditions. When times are tough, Boorowa stays strong, and mateship is paramount.

Primary Excursion Postponed

As you are now all aware, the Primary excursion scheduled for this week was postponed. Unfortunately, due to the damage caused to roads as a result of flooding, the bus company were forced to withdraw their services as they did not want to place the safety of our students at risk. A decision, whilst very disappointing for the students, that I agreed with.

Mr Stuart and I are now trying to find alternate dates for this excursion to go ahead before the end of the year. If we can make it work, we will communicate this with families as soon as possible. If we are unable, families will receive a refund.

We are very disappointed that the students have missed out on this great experience for three years in a row now. Hopefully we can make it happen in 2023. Keep your fingers crossed.

Growth Coaching Accreditation completed for Leadership team

The Leadership team at Boorowa Central School completed their four-day Growth Coaching course last Thursday and Friday. The course involved two days in Term 2, several practice sessions in Term 3 and a final two days in Term 4. Throughout the experience, the leaders were challenged to develop their coaching, feedback and problem-solving skills through simulated conversations and role playing.

These skills will be used to coach the staff to continue to improve their practices at Boorowa Central School.

Compulsory school attendance

Information for parents about regular attendance and legal responsibilities.

World teachers Day – 28 October 2022

Last Friday was World Teachers Day. The staff celebrated this with a tennis and pizza event at the showground. It was a great afternoon and well worth my rolled ankle and sore arms the next day.

On behalf of the wider school community, I would like to acknowledge the fantastic teaching that occurs each and everyday here at Boorowa Central School and commend each of our teachers for their ongoing dedication and commitment. It is a challenging career but also a very rewarding one. Teachers have the privilege to help shape the futures of the children we teach, and the staff at Boorowa Central School take this responsibility very seriously. 

Thank you to all the teachers for choosing to make a difference.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day and commemorates the end of hostilities for World War I, the signing of the armistice, which occurred on 11 November 1918 – at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Australia and British governments changed the name to Remembrance Day as an appropriate title for a day which would commemorate all war dead.

The Boorowa Central School Student Representative Council will be attending the Boorowa Community Remembrance Day service at the Anzac Memorial next Friday.

Students and staff who remain at school will observe a minute of silence at 11am prior to going to lunch.

Mr Graham Jones I Principal