From the Principal

Term 1 is almost at an end, and it has been busy and productive at Camden High School.

Our swimming carnival was held in week 4 of this term, and it was pleasing to see an improved attendance rate at this important school event. Some fantastic performances at the school level have ensured that Camden High School was represented strongly at the zone swimming carnival, and we congratulate our students on their results. Our cross country carnival was held in week 6, and again, improved attendance was pleasing to note. I have noticed several students keenly preparing for the zone carnival by participating in Park Run on weekends, and it is lovely to see our students engaging in community activities.

Our school captains have been busy representing Camden High School at our Year 5/6 Open Night and the Camden Council International Women’s Day Dinner. Joshua, Joshua, Claire and Paige are all wonderful advocates for our school and embody our core values of being learners who are respectful and safe. They consistently set a high benchmark as leaders and role models for our students and community to aspire to.

Our school uniform makes us easily recognisable in the community and it has been fantastic to see so many students showing their pride in belonging to Camden High School by wearing the correct full school uniform every day, including black leather shoes. With the onset of cooler weather, it is important to be proactive in purchasing jumpers so that we uphold our high standards of uniform from the start of term 2.

As members of both the Camden High School and wider Camden communities, it is important that we all uphold our high standards of behaviour as learners who are respectful and safe, at all times. This includes the time travelling to and from school each day, and particularly on our early finish day when many students spend time in the local community. 

It has been just over a year since the mobile phone ban in schools. At Camden High School, this has been supported by a ‘pouch’ system where phones are switched off and locked in pouches all day. This includes during break times, and phones are not able to be used to make purchases at the canteen. It has been pleasing to see the positive differences that this is making to our core business of teaching and learning. In a recent NSW survey, data indicated that 87% of students are less distracted in the classroom and 81% of students have seen improved learning. At a local level at Camden High School, this means that our students are more focused in lessons and are using opportunities to re-develop social interaction skills. This has been supported by our wonderful staff preparing engaging lessons, and providing extra-curricular activities for students during recess and lunch breaks. 

As we approach the first holiday break, I hope that everyone enjoys the opportunity to reset and get ready for a fantastic term 2.

Karen Woods - Principal