Principals Report 

With International Women’s Day being celebrated worldwide next Wednesday 8th March (and many workplaces celebrating with events today), I thought it pertinent to discuss the key theme of this year’s event, ‘Cracking the Code’, and how it relates to some of the great opportunities at our school. 

The theme of ‘Cracking the Code’ relates to innovation as a driver of change and how we can embrace new technologies to particularly champion unique skills and knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This theme sits strongly with the focus on STEM at our school, led by Sarah Tyo and Angus Morton. 

The STEM program at our school has developed from a once-per-term ‘in-school activity’ type event to a program that now every student accesses at our school each week. The program is hosted in a purpose-built space adjoining my office in the Administration Building and fitted out with 3-D printers, drones and coding robots, Lego Technic and even a variety of insects!

STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and adapt to the changing world that we live in. The curriculum focus of STEM includes science as a human endeavour, coding, programming, problem solving, creativity, critical analysis, team-work, independent thinking, initiative, communication, digital literacy and metacognition. This enhances the science, technology and mathematics curriculum that is already taught in classrooms.

There are further opportunities within STEM that are important to promote with all of our students. Earlier this week, we proudly presented our first-ever ‘STEM Leaders’ as part of our student leadership program. A huge congratulations to Lennox James and Liam Williams for their appointment to this role. Later this week, Angus is taking a group of our students to our local beach for ‘Clean-Up Australia Day’, whilst lunchtime activities such as STEM club and gardening club support the program. We also have external providers leading related programs on our site, including the Young Engineers program, Born to Soar and Chess Club.

Each year at our Grade 6 Graduation, one of our female students is recognised as the recipient of the Dame Jean Macnamara Award, named in honour of the Australian medical doctor and scientist, best known for her contributions to children’s health and welfare. This award is presented annually by the Federal MP for Macnamara, Josh Burns. This award at our school highlights student who show outstanding aptitude in the area of STEM. 

Sustainability has a strong through-line with STEM and our school continues to work in partnership with our local families and broader community to ensure we are resourcing the school responsibly and ethically. We continue to work towards becoming a Resource Smart School, with the purpose of embedding sustainability across the school facilities, community and curriculum. Thank you to our passionate group of parents, led by Megan Drysdale and Callie Macintosh, for leading this initiative. Similarly to STEM, we also presented our 2023 student leaders for sustainability this week; congratulations to Charlotte Katieva and Hunter McLean on their appointment to this role. 

Our school celebrates ‘STEM Day’ during National Science Week (annually recognised in August) and this event will allow us to further highlight the quality learning happening within our school. And as we recognised International Women’s Day, thank you to all the outstanding women that I am fortunate enough to work with; you set a brilliant example for all of our students each and every day.

Thanks for your ongoing support and keep doing your best.

Rohan.