Principal report – June

As we approach the end of the semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the value of partnership between home and school, and especially the importance of open, proactive communication.

One of the things I’m most grateful for in our school community is the way so many families reach out to let us know when something doesn’t seem quite right for their young person. Whether it’s a change at home, a concern about friendship dynamics, or a sense that something just feels “off,” this kind of communication is incredibly helpful. It allows us to respond early, supportively, and in partnership with you.

Sometimes, as parents and carers, it can feel like you don’t want to bother us or worry that you’re overreacting. Please know that you’re never a bother. We would always rather know than not know. The sooner we can be aware of a concern, the more likely it is that we can help. We will always be guided by you in how we respond, especially if the nature of the information that you are sharing is sensitive or if your young person is worried about how things may ‘pan out’.

Of course, the same applies to the good news to, moments where you’ve seen your child grow in confidence, felt proud of their effort, or noticed a positive change. Achievements that they have made in the wider community are always great to share as often these show a very different side to students from what is known about them at school. These are stories worth sharing, and we love hearing them.

Our shared goal is for every student to feel seen, safe, and supported at school. We can only do this well when we work together—and I thank you for the role you play in this. In this edition of the Gazette, we have an article that focuses on bullying behaviours and how to respond. I would encourage you to read this and to reach out if you have any questions or if there is something that you feel we need to know.

On the topic of bullying, earlier in the term, we hosted Wayne from Smactalks as part of a leadership initiative from one of our school captains, Alivia Dennis. Wayne’s message is such an important one for parents and students alike and our Year 10s also heard him speak about his experiences. I thank all of our community members who attended for coming along. We are hoping to run more of these parents sessions on topics such as these across the year so if there is something in the particular that you would like to know more about, please let us know and we will keep an eye out for suitable experiences.

Key staffing changes

As we wrap up the term, we also prepare to farewell two much-loved and long-serving members of our staff. For different reasons, we will be farewelling both Ms Nina Ling and Ms Fiona Adams at the end of this term.

Ms Nina Ling

Nina has been a cornerstone of our college community for the past 15 years, holding a number of key leadership roles during that time. In my own time at the school, she has been my right arm as one of our assistant principals, an unwavering source of support, wisdom, and friendship. Her deep knowledge of the college has been an invaluable resource, and her quiet strength and generosity have been a constant presence that I have come to rely on.

While Nina’s leadership and expertise will be sorely missed, it is her compassion that has left the most lasting impression. Her commitment to supporting students with additional needs - whether related to learning, wellbeing, or engagement - has always been exceptional. She knows our students and families more deeply than anyone, and her ability to connect with and advocate for them is something we have all admired.

Nina leaves behind some very big shoes to fill, but we are excited for the new adventure ahead of her. She is relocating to Far North Queensland, where she and her husband have recently purchased a property. Given her well-known dislike of cold weather, we’re confident the tropical climate will suit her perfectly and may even prompt her to part with at least a few of her beloved puffer jackets!

We thank Nina for all that she has contributed to our school and wish her every happiness in this next chapter.

Ms Fiona Adams

Fiona has been a deeply valued member of our college community for over nine years, dedicating all of that time to our wellbeing team. In this role, she has provided unwavering support to some of our most vulnerable students and families, as well as to staff. In more recent years, as the wellbeing team has grown, Fiona has taken on a leadership role, coordinating the team and helping to establish a breadth of services rarely seen in a school of our size.

On a personal note, Fiona has also been an incredible support to me. I have always appreciated her willingness to share her expertise, her proactive approach to emerging concerns, and her thoughtful guidance when navigating complex wellbeing matters. I know there are many families who will feel the impact of her departure as Fiona has been a constant, calm, and compassionate presence for so many in our community.

Fiona leaves us to take up a coordination role in a larger school, where she will have the opportunity to further grow her already extensive skills and experience. While we are very sad to see her go, we are also incredibly proud of her and excited for what lies ahead. Fiona will no doubt make a powerful contribution to her new school community, just as she has to ours. We wish her all the very best in this next chapter and look forward to hearing how she continues to thrive.

We are currently working through the process of finding the right people to step into the roles Fiona and Nina have so ably held. This will take some time, so we thank you for your patience and ask that you bear with us during the transition.

Kerryn Sandford

Principal

Year 10 Work Experience