Principal Team Report

Dear families, friends, staff and students of WHSC, we thank you for your support of our school and your commitment to education. We live in an ever changing world. In order to equip our young people with the skills and knowledge to successfully navigate their pathway to the future, we have to work together. We know that in many ways, the operation of secondary schools has remained the same over the last 50 or more  years. But some elements have changed significantly. The use of data to inform learning achievement has been a game changer. The fact that we can now track progress from grade 3 to year 12 gives teachers, families and Education Policy makers the opportunity to target points of need on a system level, right down to classrooms and individuals.

Once upon a time the culture was to expect students to all learn in the same way at the same rate. We know this may be the case for many children but not all. Adjusting learning programs so that students can now access learning at their point of need is an expectation of the system and our community. As a school, we cannot do this effectively without the collaboration and input of families and a shared understanding  by all that as a school we commit to this within our resources and capabilities. 

As a society we also know that learning and wellbeing are powerfully linked. A positive mindset, motivation and engagement are the foundations of learning. We also know that when students do not feel connected or safe, for whatever reason,  attendance at school becomes a challenge. It is challenge that we share as a society to ensure that our children do have the opportunities to engage fully in life. 

The Social Media Ban for students under 16  that has come into effect demonstrates that our society is recognising that children do need to be protected from unlimited access to sites and material that is harmful, debilitating and alienating. How effective this measure is will be dependent on the adult world to support young people with this transition. It is not a punishment but a tool to protect the most vulnerable in our society, our children.

It feels like time is speeding up for all of us and the year has just flown by. I want to take this opportunity to genuinely thank all of our staff for their work in educating our young people. There have been so many terrific moments where our students have shined. We are very proud of all of them. Our beautiful 2025 Year Book is a fantastic showcase of what it means to be a student at Wheelers Hill Secondary College. Progress can be measured in the tiniest of units, from wearing correct school uniform, following school processes, improving self-regulation, making friends, participating in activities and events as well as building those Literacy and Numeracy skills which are the building blocks of academic success. Seeing our students shine at Presentation Evening in so many areas is a genuine joy and as educators, we feel we have achieved our purpose.

On behalf of the Principal Team, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to doing it all again next year.

Take care.

Fern Brisbane

WHSC Principal