SCHOOL LEADERSHIP MESSAGE

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been a very significant and rewarding first term for me as Principal of Korumburra Secondary College.

From the moment I arrived, I have been made to feel incredibly welcome by our students, staff, parents, families and the broader Korumburra community. I have quickly developed a strong impression of this as a caring, connected and committed school community, and I feel very fortunate to be part of it. The warmth and support I have experienced over the past term have been greatly appreciated.

I would particularly like to acknowledge and thank all of our teaching and education support staff for their professionalism, care and commitment to our students. Schools are complex places, and the work that happens every day — both visible and behind the scenes — requires enormous dedication. I have been impressed by the way our staff work together to support students, respond to challenges and create opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.

It has also been wonderful to see the many ways our students have engaged in their learning and in the broader life of the College throughout Term 3. Our Careers Expo, Year 10 Bogong Camp, Write a Book in Day, Artists After Dark performance and the many sporting events have provided students with opportunities to challenge themselves, develop new skills, build relationships and experience success beyond the traditional classroom.

These experiences are an important part of education. They help young people discover interests, develop confidence and resilience, and understand that learning can take many different forms. I thank the staff who have given their time and energy to make these opportunities possible, and I congratulate our students for the enthusiasm and commitment they have demonstrated.

We also undertook the School’s Review during Term 3 which is a significant milestone for the School as it sets the strategic plan, priorities and goals for the next 4 years. I very much appreciate the efforts of our facilitator Matt Knight and challenge partners, Rob Juratowitch, Luke Haustorfer, Ruth Drew, Rachel Morgan and Brad Hutchison. And I also deeply thank the students, teachers, ES staff and parents for their input and feedback.

Throughout Term 3, we have maintained a particular focus on two important priorities: calm and orderly classrooms and student attendance. These priorities will continue to be a focus in Term 4. Anecdotally, we are beginning to see some positive measures in both areas, and in Term 4 I will provide the College community with further data and updates that will give us some quantitative evidence of the progress we are making.

The upcoming holidays will be particularly significant for our senior students, who are preparing for their final assessments and examinations. I wish all of our senior students well in their endeavours and encourage them to use the break wisely, establishing consistent and diligent study routines while also making time to rest and recharge.

Seeing our Year 6 students this week as part of their transition activities also reminded me of the significant transitions young people have to navigate throughout their secondary education. Their first steps into secondary school are an important milestone, just as their final steps out of secondary education represent another significant transition — this time into the world as young adults.

It made me reflect on our shared responsibility as a school, as parents and as a community. I hope that we have done enough to prepare our young people for the hurdles and challenges we know lie ahead in an increasingly complex and demanding world. But equally, I hope that we have inspired them to be aspirational, positive and excited about the opportunities that await them.

Ultimately, education is about more than academic achievement. It is about helping young people develop the knowledge, skills, character and confidence to navigate the world and to find their own path within it.

I would like to wish all members of the Korumburra Secondary College community a safe and enjoyable holiday break. I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with the people who matter to you, to recharge, and, importantly, to do some of the things you are passionate about.

Thank you again for the warm welcome I have received during my first term. I look forward to continuing our work together and to what Term 4 will bring.

All the best, and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 4 on Monday 5 October.

Warm regards,

Emmanuel Skoutas

Principal