Principal's Report

The end of Term 1 has been a very busy time at Thornbury High School, with a range of exciting events and activities. This week’s Strawbale Concert allowed students to showcase their learning in Music – a splendid evening of performances. Watching students flourish in Performing Arts is such a joy, and I know how much dedication and commitment goes into learning an instrument. Thank you to all the staff members involved in supporting students with their learning in Music, and to our Performing Arts Leader, Ms McCulloch, for organising the event together with her team. 

Last week, students in Years 7 and 9 completed their NAPLAN tests; the results of those tests will provide valuable diagnostic data for us to understand students’ learning in Literacy and Numeracy. Historically, our students have demonstrated a high level of achievement and growth in NAPLAN, which is also a reflection of their opportunities to learn at THS.

Over the course of last week and this week, I have been involved in the THS School Review, which takes place once every four years at every government school in Victoria. This process involves an evaluation of the previous School Strategic Plan, as well as a careful study of the current state of the school, with a particular focus on student learning, engagement, and wellbeing. The school review panel, including our principal team, our external reviewer, two external challenge partners, our School Council President, Bec Yule, and a number of staff representatives, all spent time reviewing data in relation to student learning, wellbeing, and their sense of connection to school. The review panel also ran focus groups with students from Years 7-11, staff and parents. 

Once the reviewer has produced the final report, I will be able to share the findings of the review with you all. The report will recognise and celebrate what the school has achieved, while also considering opportunities for further growth and learning. I see this as an incredibly valuable opportunity for us to grow and learn through the feedback we receive. 

As we are rapidly approaching the end of term, I would like to share with you all my thoughts and reflections at this stage of the year. I have been very impressed by the calm and orderly learning environment at THS, and by the generosity and kindness of the whole community. The fantastic teachers and education support staff at THS continue to work very hard to support all our students, and I have greatly appreciated our staff and students’ welcoming approach to me as the new principal. I am keen to continue building on the strengths of the school, in particular by exploring what we collectively see as the best teaching practice at THS. Part of our vision is for all students to be engaged, actively involved, and intellectually challenged in class. To achieve this, I am keen to work with all staff, students and parents at THS in a collective effort to continue strengthening the practices at this wonderful school. 

Our responsibility at THS is to promote curiosity and a life-long love of learning, and to set students up for success at THS and beyond school. Ultimately, we want students to be able to go out into the community to be successful in their chosen field, and to have a positive impact on the world. 

I wish you all a wonderful school holiday period and look forward to seeing everyone back at THS in Term 2. 

Lars Andersson

Principal