Message from the

Head of Senior School

Term 3, Week 3

I am writing this message after a day in western Sydney, attending a HICES Deputies network meeting at Thomas Hassall College. It is a school of the Anglican Schools Corporation and has been in operation for less than 20 years. It is in one of the fastest growing areas of NSW and is quite close to where the new airport at Badgery’s Creek will be constructed; the population of the area is expected to grow by 300 000 people within the next ten years! It is fascinating to visit a school with such a diverse range of student backgrounds and which has grown so rapidly. The challenges they face are the same as every school’s (funding, curriculum, student engagement, teacher quality and turnover, community involvement) but at the same time very different from some that the KWS community faces (drought, distance and boarding requirements). I always gain a fresh perspective by attending these meetings and the collegiality of the network is very valuable. Being part of this group is something I will miss a great deal after I finish at the end of the year.

This week sees the rehearsals for Friday’s House Spectacular occurring each evening. The Year 11 students who lead the individual productions deserve a real pat on the back for their efforts. We are aiming to make the Spec a more low-key event in the school calendar, in order to reduce pressure on these student leaders and to help get each House’s performance into a more doable format. It is a valuable learning experience for every student but it is important we don’t allow it to take on a disproportionate amount of time and stress.

Year 12 students begin their Trial HSC exams in Week 5. Practical and performance exams for the actual HSC are also approaching so I urge parents to be supportive of their child’s efforts and understanding of the pressure they may be placing upon themselves. Some fresh air and down time are needed, and a regular routine of revision and practice under exam time constraints. I wish you all well during this challenging period.

Parents of Year 12 are also urged to complete their survey from MMG Education if they have not already done so. The feedback you give us is invaluable as we plan for the future and shape our new Strategic Directions document. If you have had trouble with the survey, please don’t hesitate to contact me so I can sort things with MMG if there are technical problems.

I trust you will have a good fortnight and I hope much needed rain falls over all of our school community’s home districts.

Bev West

Head of Senior School