Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Friends,

This week we celebrated Harmony Week, which fitted in beautifully with our Wellbeing Assembly on Wednesday. The importance of connecting with others, being active and eating well, learning new skills, being present in the moment and giving to others is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. 

The theme this year is “Harmony – we all have a role to play!” and is a celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. This is certainly reflected in our student and staff body. Connecting with community and being accepted for who you are is integral to a teenager’s growth and development. The Round Square and College Captains organised culturally themed music performances and a bake sale to acknowledge this week.

Nationally, Closing the Gap Day was on Thursday 20 March and earlier in the week we were visited by Shadow Minister for Education, Senator the Hon. Sarah Henderson and Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon. Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. We talked about funding for independent schools and our policy priorities of:

- Protecting Family Choice

- Supporting our Most Vulnerable Students

- Investing in Cross-Sector Innovation 

- Building Choice into the Future by expanding Capital Grants Programs.

Two weeks ago, we held the Performing Arts Carnival and the quality of the drama, singing and music across all six Houses was outstanding. There were only a few points between all the Houses, and it was the most entertaining two hours I’ve had in years. I sincerely congratulate Griffiths House students and staff; however, all participants deserve a special mention.

Despite technical problems, NAPLAN ran relatively smoothly over the last two weeks. I appreciate Lisa O’Brien’s efforts in organising every detail required just to set it up and the support and training she provided for staff to make it work. Deputy Principal Steve Kimber was essential in coordinating each session and liaising with the NAPLAN team to sort out the technical issues. The high attendance rate of our students in Years 7 & 9 also facilitated our ability to complete the testing and return to our normal program.

Our boarders have had both their hearing and teeth checked over the past few weeks. A big thank you to the Medical Centre staff for making this happen. It’s a wonderful service to ensure the health of our students, many of whom come from remote communities.

Finally, we finish off the week with our sold-out Quiz Night supporting our students going on the Japan trip. It’s important to also acknowledge the students, parents and staff who have supported the Bunnings sausage sizzles on Saturdays. 

In the next two weeks:

• Updated medical information and consent forms are due on Monday, 24 March for Years 7, 11 & 12. 
• Year 8 Learning Expo is next Tuesday, 25 March.
• Easter Service is Wednesday, 2 April.
• Parent Teacher Interviews will be held Thursday, 3 April and Friday, 4 April.  Please ensure you book your interviews online.

Kind regards,

Leslie Tilbrook

Principal