Principal's Message

WOW! What a week. I’m actually not sure if we could go any harder or do any more 'things'.

I must kick off by saying a massive thank you to all staff at our College who are working so hard to provide excellence at every turn.

Wednesday night we held an Subject Selection and Careers Open night event for students and their families. The night provided an opportunity for current (2023) Year 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 students to explore the subjects on offer at our College to support future career opportunities. This transition work is critical and the need for our students and families to be well informed, is vital. Yes, it seems early but we need to gather student choice and begin the work of building what next year looks like.

The large number of families that attended and the volume and high quality questions that followed each presentation was very pleasing and shows the ever growing connection between our College and families. If you were unable to attend, then it is important that you thoroughly read through the Subject Selection handbooks, that can be found on our website to support choices and selections for next years subjects. Please click on the link below.

Please, read the subject description (what is it all about) not just the subject title. Further help and advice is available from staff – just ask. 

Plus, you are able to book a counselling meeting via Compass for a 1:1 chat. (This is for senior students.) I can’t emphasis enough how important it is that parents are informed and discuss future selections and pathways with your children. Great choices now, keep doors open and engagement high.

Assistant Principal appointments: I am very happy to announce that after running a process to appoint 2 Assistant Principals for the next 5 years, that Paul Martin and Jacqui Telford have been successful. Congratulations to them both. Paul brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position and has been a major factor in continuing to drive improvement at our College. Jacqui is stepping up to this 'demanding' position, with enthusiasm and a fabulous set of skills, knowledge and drive to keep the Senior Hub, in particular, moving forward.  I look forward to continuing to work with you both as we continue our journey of constant improvement.

On not such a bright note, I need to talk about staffing. This week I had to make the difficult call of cancelling 'all activities' for the remainder of the term. What does that mean? Any activity that will take a teacher away from their classroom. You will no doubt have heard of the shortages of teachers, and staff in general not just in our school, but across the state, well this is the very practical impact. We simply do not have enough staff or emergency teachers available to cover both classrooms and extra activities. Hence, the priority must always go with classrooms. I know that this has been disappointing for some who were looking forward to sports or excursions etc, but I’m afraid that is the current situation we find ourselves in.

At the minute this is only for the remainder of this term and I am hoping it doesn’t have to extend beyond this term. I am very happy to discuss any aspect of this if you would like . Please call our office to make an appointment.

The impact of social media! Do you really know what’s happening on social media for your children? I recently had conversation with an upset parent where they 'demanded' that I immediately shut down Snapchat. 

My reply: "I can't do that."

Parent: "but you can!"

My reply: "Take away the phone." 

Parent reply: "Oh I can't do that!"  

Something to Ponder: How many problems and tensions is the misuse of social media causing and what can you do about it? We all know the impact extends way beyond our College grounds and regularly spills into community concerns also.

Always happy to chat.

Trudie Nagle

Principal.

Trudie Nagle

Principal