From the Principal

A main focus for this week and next is our end of year events, with awards or celebration events for Early Learning, Infants, Primary and Secondary. We also have special dinners for Grade 6 and Grade 10, to recognise important milestones in the students’ learning journey. These events are a chance for us as a school community to give thanks for the many blessings of the past year. Some of our students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, effort or character will also receive due recognition. I hope many parents and friends will be able to attend these wonderful events.

One of the highlights of a day is spending time with students, whether it be in the playground, the classes I teach, or when visiting classes. There are also times when students will come to share special examples of their learning with me, especially when it represents a breakthrough for them. One thing that stands out to them about the College is the relationship they have with their teachers. The students tell me they are cared for, they feel the teachers explain things well to them. They also know that teachers will call them out when they need to. I have had several times when students have told me that their teachers have spoken to them about their effort or engagement and may have put some consequences in place. They recognise it is justified.

One of the routines we have at this time is reviewing student learning data, to check on growth over the past year and to help us plan for interventions for next year. It has been a delight to see strong results across many parts of the school. In one year group, for example, there were more than 10 students eligible for recognition for academic achievement. In our early years, we have seen outstanding growth in literacy skills for the vast majority of our students.

As a College, we are committed to ongoing improvement. As a leadership and staff team we have goals identified for next year. For now, though, as we move into the final phase of the school year, I want to celebrate the myriad of small things that add up over the course of weeks and months to impact on the learning and character development of our students.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

~ Philippians 4: 4-7

Jodie Bennett

Principal