From the Deputy Principals

Dear Parents, 

I thought I’d take over the Newsletter to reflect on what has been a life-changing nine years as Deputy Principal at Camden High, as I clean my desk and prepare for a new adventure in the Southern Highlands as Deputy Principal at Bowral High School. 

First of all, I wanted to express what a fantastic opportunity it has been to lead staff and students for nearly a decade at this school. Together, we’ve seen HSC attainment grow, with a stronger commitment than ever before on the high expectations associated with high achievement. The staff here are truly committed to finding ways to bring out the best in every student, never giving up on the opportunity to learn and grow together. Part of that learning is also recognising that every pathway deserves high-quality support, and the last eight years of an amazing Skills Trade And Readiness program has seen hundreds of young men and women move into apprenticeships whilst also completing their ROSA and attaining qualifications through TAFE. It is because of dedicated partnerships and strategic support that STAR (like so many other CHS programs) has gone from strength to strength. 

It’s been a blessing to share this place with so many good staff, each of them so talented in their field and passionate about lifelong learning. The ongoing success at Camden is due to teachers’ willingness to evaluate and improve their practice every single year. This is led by an outstanding team of Head Teachers and Senior Executive staff, who have led with equal measure of passion and humility, which has resulted in a schoolwide partnership that has yielded fantastic results. I’ve also been so very privileged to work with amazing Year Advisers and Learning & Wellbeing staff, who serve students every day by supporting their potential and guiding their engagement, especially when learning gets hard. It’s a thankless job sometimes, but I know that the students who have benefited from this team are truly grateful, as am I. 

But the stars of the show are absolutely the kids. When I got here in 2018, I remember a Year 12 student holding the door open for me and then wait for a Year 7 student who was still a fair way off! This simplest of values speaks to the enduring culture of the Camden Valley, where decency, hard work and respect have always been at the forefront. And I’m proud to say that, at Camden High, this hasn’t changed. The students that walk through the gates every morning should be so proud to call themselves Camden students, because they are the ones who make it great. It’s because of the trust students place in us that we can guide them towards their best result, and it’s because of their aspirations and self-belief that they achieve. We simply get to be passengers on their journey. I can’t wait to send off the Class of 2026 as my final act at Camden High School next week, although I still am not quite ready for that day to roll around. 

Finally, and from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you all as parents for supporting the school, as we support your children in their learning. It’s the faith you place in us that allows us to set high expectations and shape these adults of the future. Thank you for coming to parent sessions, subject interviews and recognition assemblies, and for the way you engage with us in wanting the best for your kids. I know that I have benefited so much from these high expectations, as I haven’t always made the most perfect decisions and actions. But I will always be grateful for the grace you have shown me, as I too get to learn and grow. Even though I’m still far from perfect, I know that I am a much better teacher and leader now, because of the support that I have received from the Camden High School community. 

All my thanks, 

Tim French