Message from the Principal

A Year of New Beginnings

Welcome back to all our Calrossy community. I especially welcome all new to our School and trust that you very quickly feel part of our inclusive and happy family.

We have chosen ‘New Beginnings’ as our theme this year and are excited about what lies ahead. 2021 is new in several ways:

• Our Prep to Year 6 section is now known at Calrossy Junior School, encompassing both Infants (P – 2) and Primary (3 - 6).
• We have launched our eCalrossy programme, with eleven Year 7 students learning remotely with us but connected as very important members of our School.
• We have launched our new Secondary campus structure, utilising the best of our Diamond Model, in which our Years 7 – 9 students learn in single gender classes on the William Cowper Campus and Years 10 -12 students based on the Brisbane Street Senior Campus.
• We have taken ownership of our impressive new classroom building on the William Cowper Campus. We look forward to showing off the fantastic new facilities to the whole community as soon as possible.
• Calrossy has a new House structure from P - 12, with four new sporting and cultural houses launched to connect all students across the school.
• We start to emerge from Covid-19 and doing things differently, mindful of the risks.
• As a Christian School we acknowledge the God of new beginnings, who is ever ready to forgive, allowing us ‘fresh starts’ and enjoy friendship with him.

It is a reality that change involves adjustment and even with positive change, there are discomforts and nostalgia. We are confident that that are benefits to our new beginnings and look forward to the contribution the students will make to our positive school culture. 

Belonging and the Importance of Community

Over the last year we have been reminded of the importance of belonging and being together. It was unsettling when we were unable to meet as normal and it pushed our comfort zones. Some thrived with home learning; others struggled with lack of connection. Subsequent research has demonstrated that a school culture of belonging and inclusion is critical. The togetherness and community bonds we enjoy, amongst day students and boarders, is a key factor in what makes Calrossy a unique place. Finding our place with parents and students is important and remains integral to planning for this year and beyond. We need our community to remain strong, to be a place where students belong, where they can be their unique selves, develop their skills and passions and thrive as they mature into high-functioning young people and adults. I love our inclusive community and am pleased that 2020 demonstrated that it is a big factor in our identity as a school.

Start to the New Year

Positive school culture is important to us at Calrossy, having been nurtured and developed over many years. Via student and staff survey last year, it was indicated that our students value high expectations and pride in school. The students identified the following goals to support our culture;

• Have high expectations of each other
• Wear our school uniform well
• Display positive behaviour to support learning and enthusiastic participation in school life
• Respect of staff, each other and self

Student voice and leadership is a pillar of our culture and students are invited to contribute constructively to school life.