From the Principal's office

Dear Parents and Carers

I have noted and been impressed by the genuine concern our students are having for our farmers who are really struggling with terrible drought conditions. This week our students and staff are invited to dress up as a farmer and donate to the RU AWARE WE CARE campaign in support of farmers in the Tamworth and North West regions. In addition to this, proceeds from our country-themed Secondary School Social will also go towards helping farmers. Letters of prayer, support and encouragement written by our students are also being sent. All proceeds from these initiatives will contribute to hampers being organised by the RU AWARE WE CARE campaign. Compassion is one of our six Biblical values and it is therefore wonderful that our school community is really living out this value in thought, word and deed. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

I’d like to remind all parents and carers that attending and engaging in school is of critical importance. Students who attend school regularly make far more educational progress than students who are habitually absent. Positive life outcomes increase for students with high attendance rates. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school. It is the responsibility of parents and carers to make sure their child attends school punctually. Please read more about school attendance in this newsletter.

In the July holidays, staff returned earlier than students for Conference Week, a week of staff professional learning. Our Christian focus was on Kingdom Education and we all enjoyed our day at Charlton Christian College hearing from guest speakers and participating in workshops. Back at school teachers had three days of learning about and brainstorming strategies for high-potential students. As a Christian school we recognise that each student has been given gifts and talents by God.

I conclude by wishing our Year 12 students much success and a good end to their schooling in this their last term ever.