SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Car Loop Entrance Works

Over the holidays we will have contractors commencing our Car Loop Entrance Works. These will continue into Term 2 but we have been assured that this will not disrupt the traffic flow. The main difference to traffic flow will be that we are creating three pick up/ drop off car parks up the top of the car loop, as pictured in the map below, with a pathway to the stairs for students. This will make this zone safer for students exiting cars and for drivers moving through the bus loop. Parents who use the pick up and drop off zones are asked to be extra careful when driving through the car loop in the morning and afternoon whilst we get used to these new arrangements, especially watching out for cars merging into the traffic flow in the top car park. We hope that this work will ease the congestion and make it safer for students to walk to the stairs when exiting cars as there will now be a path from the drop off car parks.

New traffic signs will also be installed. The dip in the bus loop will be repaired, and there will be lights at the entrance. Our new school signs are part of this contract and I am excited to see their installation some time in Term 2.

Diagram of top car park with three new pick up/drop off spaces and path to stairs

A Busy and Successful Term 1

Term 1 has been another busy start to the year at KSC. We’ve had Year 7 and 8 camps, our swimming and athletics carnivals, many excursions, and a whole range of sporting events. Students participated with enthusiasm and represented KSC so well. At our Assembly this week our Year 7 students were welcomed to the College with Year 12 students handing them their “wings”, which are part of our school logo and represent aiming high.

A major highlight this term has been the incredible feedback we’ve received from visitors.

We’ve had principals from other schools onsite, as well as our Senior Education Improvement Leader. Every single visitor commented on the same things:

the calm and positive learning environment
the high level of student engagement
and the strong, respectful relationships between students and teachers

Their feedback is something we should all take pride in. It reflects the effort and focus students bring to their learning every day and is a credit to both students and our teachers and ES staff.

Outstanding Attendance

Another highlight this term has been our attendance. We’ve finished Term 1 at 87.8% — our best result in more than five years, and a big improvement from 81.6% at the same time last year.

Well done to all students, and thank you to parents and carers for the huge improvement in providing explained absences. Please continue to let us know why students are absent from school. Another reminder: new guidelines say that families planning extended holidays during term time must seek approval from the principal before departing. I’m always happy to approve these, so please contact me if you’re planning a trip and we can organise the approval code for Compass and establish an “Absence Learning Plan” which is also part of the new guidelines.

GPAs, Student 360s & Parent–Teacher Interviews

GPAs were published this week. They’re a helpful indicator of how students are travelling and a great tool for setting Student 360 goals next term. The overall average across the College was 3.15 out of a total of 4. This demonstrates a high level of positive learner behaviours across the College and sets us up for a great year of learning.

Parent–teacher interviews have been exceptionally well attended this week. I’d like to thank staff for their commitment to partnering with parents for your child’s education and working late into the evening to support working parents to attend.

Student Voice & Caring for Our School

Student voice continues to be very important at KSC.

One area we all need to keep improving is rubbish in the yard. Next term, we’ll be trying new approaches to keeping our grounds clean and looking after Country. Please encourage your children to take pride in our school and care for our environment.

A reminder to please use cash or cards at the canteen – mobile phones must be stored in lockers from the first class to the last and only wired earphones should be used at school.

Changes in Teaching Staff

We wish Rohena Schmitz and Chelsea Connell all the best as they head off on leave – both are taking extended leave to pursue exciting adventures with their loved ones and we hope to see them back at KSC next year. We have many staff taking long service leave in Term 2 which will result in some changes to coordinators and class teachers. We are fortunate that we have been able to staff these changes in a time when teacher shortages are a real issue for many schools.

Have a safe and happy Easter Break

Thank you to the whole school community for a fantastic start to the year. As we head into the break, please have a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to seeing you back for a great Term 2.