Principal's Report

We now come to the end of Term 2, 2017. For obvious reasons this Term has been particularly challenging for both staff and students, but I think it extremely important to take a moment to reflect on some of the many positives of the Term.

We started the Term with a wonderful turn out of students to the town ANZAC Day Ceremony and March, followed by our school ANZAC assembly where the respect displayed by the students was overwhelming. Year 12 students were exposed to top level HSC examiners and experts through their participation in HSC seminars held in Dubbo. Cowra High students were extremely successful in the Cowra Eisteddfod, winning sections in multiple categories. There have been many sporting achievements throughout the Term, including but not limited to; the Camden Exchange, having a student in the State Championship winning team for hockey, the boys’ University Shield rugby league team and multiple school Futsal teams moving onto State semi finals for their respective competitions in Term 3. Academically Year 11 students completed their Mid Course examinations and Year 12 have completed their Trial HSC examinations. Both of these significant assessments provide students and teachers with an important opportunity to reflect on strengths and areas for improvement. Of course Term 2 also included NAPLAN.

Half Yearly Reports were distributed to students on Wednesday 28 June. Please take the opportunity to reflect on your child’s achievements and areas where improvement will be beneficial. If you did not receive your child’s report or you have any questions related to them please feel free to contact the school.

The end of Term 3 will also see some significant changes in school staffing.

Mrs Jenny Mould will retire at the end of the Term and has been a key figure in a school office since 2002. For more than 15 years she has been here and it would be safe to say she has applied thousands of Bandaids as our first aide officer, processed countless purchase requests and accepted tens of thousands of dollars for excursions when completing her financial duties. Although always performing her duties efficiently, it is her genuine desire to improve our school that will stay with me - not someone who “just does the job”, rather a person who wants the best for the school. I know she is looking forward to spending much more quality time with her husband and daughter and she will be missed by all those who work with her.

Miss Muriel Corey will also take the opportunity of a change in school Term to start the next phase in her life, retiring after 13 years teaching Technology Food & Textiles and Hospitality to Cowra High students. I’m sure many a parent and student will attest to the great satisfaction of creating yummy muffins or funky boxer shorts in Miss Corey’s class. Yet after trying to fit her gardening in around work commitments, I’m sure Muriel is looking forward to spending many quiet and relaxing hours pottering around the garden with the knowledge she can take as much time as she desires.

Cowra High wishes both Jenny and Muriel a very long and enjoyable retirement.

Mr Scott Levick will also be leaving us in early Term 3, but for different reasons. Scott has gained the Deputy Principal’s position at Young High School and will commence there as soon as we are able to source a new PE Teacher. Scott has filled the position of Head Teacher Administration for the last 18 months and has done a wonderful job keeping the school organised on a day to day basis - not an easy job in any comprehensive high school and worthy of praise. We wish him all the very best in his new role and I am confident he will prove to be an asset for Young High.

Students return on Tuesday 18 July.

Have a safe and enjoyable break.

Charles Gauci