Principal's Report

Dear families,

I was both amazed and proud of the students (and staff) who performed at the evening production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Arts Centre last night. I know of the months of preparation with rehearsals and set design and the hard work put in by so many people. All of the hard work has paid off. If you have not yet seen the production, there are a few spare seats left for tonight’s performance. I may not have the chance to personally thank all of the parents, staff and students involved before I take leave, however I have noted and appreciated their generous support. Three people that must be publicly thanked are Vicki Thomas, Malory Ryan and Deb Moar for the creativity and dedication to ensuring that the production was of such a high standard.

A reminder that Monday 27th July will be a student free day as staff will be attending a Professional Development Day.

I referenced my leave earlier and I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for the staff who will step up while I am on leave. Fiona Combe will be Interim Principal and will stand in my place making the necessary decisions to ensure the smooth running of the school. Sadly, as mentioned at the start of this newsletter, Fiona lost her mother this week and will absent for some of next week. Our prayers are with Fiona and her family. Michelle Dooling will be Acting Deputy Principal during this time. I am fortunate to be able to leave the school in such capable hands. 

During my leave, in addition to having a month holiday in Europe with my wife, I will also be undertaking ‘enrichment leave’, which involves a pilgrimage in which I, along with 15 other Catholic Secondary Principals, will travel through Greece, Italy and Turkey ‘following in the footsteps of St Paul’. We will visit many of the communities that St Paul visited and spread the Good News of the Gospel. I look forward to sharing my learnings with the school community on my return.

On my return in Term 4 (Oct 13), our governing body, DOBCEL, will facilitate my summative appraisal. This is an opportunity for parents, caregivers, staff and students to provide myself and my employer with feedback on my performance over the last six years as principal and this will determine if I am offered a new contract in 2028. I am hoping that Fiona and Michelle do not do too good of a job while I am on leave !! The surveys for this feedback will be sent out in October for stakeholder feedback. 

I wish all members of our community safe and peaceful times until I see you again. I would also like to take this opportunity to wish the students, parents and staff attending the Japanese trip in September, safe travels.

God bless,

Gerard Raven