Principal's Report

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2017 and a heartfelt welcome to our new parents. We are looking forward to a wonderful and successful year at Cowra High.

It was truly pleasing to greet so many enthusiastic Year 7 students on Monday of last week. Moving into high school is a big step and although I could sense a few nerves in our young students, it was also obvious there was a real feeling of excitement and confidence. This I believe is a reflection of the positive relationship we have with our partner primary schools and the ongoing transition program which equips the students so well for the move to Cowra High.

We also started the year with a number of new and enthusiastic staff. Welcome Ms Hailey Summer into Mathematics and Mr Angus Bates our new Japanese teacher. Both are already proving to be an asset to our school.

Cowra High has already moved into full swing. This week senior students got a university experience with an overnight trip to Wollongong University and our senior Drama students went to Sydney to watch the very best 2016 HSC Drama performances along with a number of professional drama experiences. Although early in the year this reflects our teachers’ commitment to taking every opportunity to enhance our students’ education.

Speaking of the 2016 HSC, I am very pleased with our results, once again proving the quality of the outcomes for students. We were extremely proud of the seven Band 6s and 43 Band 5s the students achieved. This is an outstanding result from a relatively small cohort of students. I also congratulate Maddison Johnson and Meggan Ellison who shared the honour of 2016 Dux. We have not had joint Duxes since 1992. I hope both girls are as proud as we are of their outstanding success. I also wish our 2016 graduates all the best as they start the next stage in their lives.

I was excited when late last year Brian Edmonds informed me that he and Megan MacKenzie were undertaking three days of training in the holidays at Sydney University because Cowra High had been selected to be involved in an international science program. I have since become even more excited by the prospect of our students experiencing hands on studies in genetics at a level normally not experienced until university. This is particularly impressive when only eight schools in NSW have been selected to participate and only one rural school. Fabulous!

With the extreme hot weather forecast for the weekend I thought it appropriate to speak to students on Wednesday about the dangers of swimming in the river. Unfortunately, every year there are tragic deaths and injuries related to inland waterways. I reminded students of the unpredictable nature of rivers and the hidden risks concealed by the water. I ask that you please also reinforce this with your children for their wellbeing.

Have a great fortnight

Charles Gauci