Principal's News

Dear Parents

As we conclude term two I take this opportunity to reflect on a period marked by exceptional learning, strong character development and the continued embodiment of our HARK Values – Humility, Aspiration, Respect and Kindness.

Our values are underpinned by the Orthodox Christian ethos of our School and are lived every day across our campus.  Whether through classroom interactions, leadership initiatives or co-curricular pursuits, our students have continued to demonstrate the elements of these intrinsic important values. 

This term, our focus on academic excellence has remained front and centre.  Our dedicated teachers continue to inspire and challenge students through inquiry based learning, explicit instruction and differentiation tailored to individual growth.  Our Senior School students in particular have shown maturity and commitment as they have traversed a significant assessment period.  Equally heartening is the way our younger students have embraced their educational journey with enthusiasm and positivity, which also extends to the sense of curiosity most evident in our children in the Early Learning Centre.

The many highlights of Term 2 whether it be the Round Square World Challenge, Cultural Diversity Day, IB Middle Years Programme Community Service, sporting participation including teacher / student competitions, or debating; these are all underpinned by our School’s sense of purpose.

A new meta-analysis study from the Australian Catholic University has found that children who experience social and emotional problems can often turn to screens to feel better, and yet giving children screens when they're struggling seems to make them struggle more.  The study encourages parents to help children develop healthy and balanced habits, and learn effective ways to manage emotions. 

Please keep in mind that even if you think that your child isn’t accessing screen time without your knowledge, if they have their devices in their possession, then they probably are. Please click on the link below for the full article.

Children's screen use and emotional problems fuel each other over time

Also available to read is the article from The Educator Magazine.  

Please click on the link below:

Screen time surge driving rise in student behaviour problems

Staff News

We acknowledge staff who have recently left or will be leaving us at the end of this term and thank them for their service to our School: 

Ms Brianna McInnes – Junior School Teacher; Mr Ramez Hanna – Bus Driver; Ms Sashi Mathur and Ms Ivana Momic – ELC Co-Educators; ELC Teachers Ms Purwa Dangwal, Ms Kathryn McMullen, Ms Nicole Walsh, and long serving ELC Teacher Ms Elli Lithotomos, and wish them all well for their future.

I take this opportunity to wish staff well who are embarking on their deserved Long Service Leave for term three: 

Mr Michael Wengier – Learning Leader - Health and Physical Education Teacher.  In his absence Mr Greg Joyce has been appointed Acting Learning Leader - Health and Physical Education Teacher; and Mr Peter Charalambous – Academic Leader – Science.  In his absence, Dr Peter Morgan has been appointed Acting Academic Leader – Science; Ms Hui Harvey – International Student Coordinator.  Mr Ryan Yang has been appointed Acting International Student Coordinator in her absence; and Mrs Helen Gilinas – Arrowsmith Coordinator. Former Arrowsmith Teacher, Ms Trina Angelatos joins us as an Arrowsmith Instrutor.  Mrs Dora Papadakis has been appointed Acting Arrowsmith Coordinator in her absence. 

Also embarking on Long Service Leave are: 

Mr Louis Panagopoulos – LOTE Teacher, and Mrs Stavroula Athanasopoulos – Junior School Teacher.  We look forward to welcoming their replacement teachers when they commence with us next term.  

Correspondence will shortly be provided to parents of relevant classes where replacement teachers have been appointed. 

I look forward to welcoming you back for term three as we continue to Empower Young Minds, Aim High, and Achieve More. 

Mark Robertson 

Principal