2018 and Beyond

Thinking back over the year, 2017 has been a year of reflection and a year to plan for change and consolidation for our College.

I want to now take this opportunity to provide a summary of the agreed path that the College has chosen over the next four years of its new Strategic Plan.

In 2017, Kurunjang Secondary College completed its Review. School reviews provide an independent analysis of a school's performance against the goals and targets in their strategic plan. The review also evaluates the school's strengths and the impact of its improvement efforts.

Based on this feedback provided through this process, the college commenced work on its new goals and key improvement strategies. Three goals to work on over the next four years were identified with the focus of course being the students.

GOAL 1: To improve student learning outcomes.

GOAL 2: To Improve student engagement in their own learning with aspirational outcomes.

GOAL 3: To improve Improve the school’s safe and orderly environment.

In summary, the new Strategic Plan puts student learning and outcomes at the centre of all that we do. The Key Improvement Strategies that have been identified and targeted in the Plan are based on research.

The Plan acknowledges that there is an inter-dependency between the quality of our teaching and how young people feel about themselves and their school, and in turn how staff feel about themselves and their school. It also acknowledges that If teachers have access to quality professional development and resources that promote health and wellbeing and students have access to a dynamic curriculum and quality adolescent health programs, the result will be a more harmonious and productive learning environment.

Strong positive relationships are at the core of success is schools.

Research is clear that when positive bonds are formed between students and teachers, classrooms become supportive spaces in which students can engage in academically and socially productive ways. Through these relationships, students learn about socially appropriate behaviors as well as academic expectations and how to achieve these expectations. Also evident in research is that when schools and families work together they can determine areas of priority and how best to work together to maximize their students’ pathways.

2017 in review was once again a busy and eventful year.

The College this year continued to place high emphasis on its diverse extra curricula activities. An extensive program was offered; interschool and lunchtime sports program, performing arts programs such as band, dance and choir, science “zoo zone” club, debating, Chess and Student Voice just to name a few. The College provided a diverse range of opportunities for students including music concerts, art and technology exhibitions and sporting carnivals which allow students to develop leadership and collaborative skills in a range of non-classroom settings. There are also important opportunities for the broader school community to gather and celebrate.

In 2017, the Leadership Team have overseen and driven the work identified in our Annual Implementation Plan with much focus and determination. I thank them all for their tireless efforts. This work enabled us to improve and consequently better support our students. I also would like to acknowledge the contribution of both our teaching and support staff, as well as our Students and College Council and thank them for their work their continued commitment.

Our Student Leaders continue to be an integral part of our college. Our college is grateful to the important role that they have in providing the student voice which is vital in determining our chosen path.

Finally, I would like to thank all members of the college community for their support and work over this year. I hope that you all enjoy a restful and safe Christmas break and happy New Year.

Like all of you, I am very much looking forward to 2018.

John Mitsinikos

College Principal

Kurunjang Secondary College Newsletter

Issue 5 · 22 Dec 2017

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