From the Acting Principal
As I posted on Compass recently, many in our school community are affected by the devastating events in the Middle East. All of us are upset and disturbed by the awful events depicted in media footage and images. This time is particularly distressing for staff, students, families and carers who have family and friends in Israel and Gaza. We are also aware that students of diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Muslim students, may be significantly affected by public events, mainstream media coverage and social media at this time. Please be assured that all staff are aware of the extreme emotional toll on many in our community at this time. But please also feel free to get in contact with any of the staff at our school if you would like to ensure we are aware of what your child is going through at this time. Our support staff will continue doing all they can to support all our students, and support is also available for our staff. I also want to assure you that the department is monitoring the situation from a school security perspective, and have advised there is no further action we need to take at this stage. It is possible that extremely distressing scenes from the conflict may be posted online in the coming days. Please ensure your children are aware of where they can find support in the event they come across such images. You may find some aspects of this resource helpful:·
Support is also available through external services including:·
- headspace: 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.
Class of 2023
This past week has been a special one as the Year 12s embarked on their final days of schooling. On Monday, the class of 2023 were officially acknowledged at a whole school assembly where our outgoing captains presented their final speeches to students and teachers before introducing our College Captains for 2024.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, they came to school in fancy dress costumes, paraded their outfits at lunchtime and attended their final classes.
Yesterday, on their last official day, they farewelled their teachers at a special morning tea followed by Year 7-11 students forming a guard of honour as they exited the school grounds. It was a fitting tribute to an outstanding group of young people as they leave school and embrace the next chapter of their lives.
On behalf of the Cheltenham school community, I wish them all the best in their future endeavours. To our parents, thank you for working with us to support your child. A strong partnership between teachers and parents plays such a critical role in children being set up for successful pathways beyond school and it was a highlight for us to see parents at our morning tea yesterday. We look forward to celebrating the class of 2023 at the upcoming Valedictory on Wednesday 15th November. To our dedicated teachers, those who have been teaching Year 12 this year but also just more importantly, their teachers and in former years, thank you. Their dedication and commitment is outstanding and we know just how integral a great teacher can be in student lives. Sometimes it can just be that one teacher who shows they really care and believe in a student that can make a huge difference and set them on a path to success.
Chelt’s Got Talent
And finally, congratulations to all the performers who ‘tread the boards’ at Chelt’s Got Talent on Wednesday. It was a fantastic whole school event showcasing the depth of student talent we have here at Chelt, not to mention an outstanding staff performance as the final act which got the whole school on their feet! As I expressed to the students and staff at the end of the show, I’m so impressed with the level of respect and support that students and staff have for each other and events like this certainly epitomise the wonderful environment that we have here at Chelt.
Kind regards
Carrie Wallis
Acting Principal