Principal Team Report

 Principal Report

Dear Families

Welcome to Term Two! I would like to begin by again congratulating our student leaders for their exemplary leadership of the whole school assembly. Not only did the assembly highlight the power of student voice and leadership within the College but it made concrete for all present the importance of celebrating those values which represent the very best in human experience: kindness, respect, resilience and empathy. In a time, when all our young people need certainty, safety, a sense of belonging and a belief in the future, our own College values of Excellence, Respect and Creativity provide the foundation for a successful life beyond school.

We know that many families are challenged by how we effectively manage our young people to have a healthy relationship with their phone. Evidence shows that children as young as 10 are developing phone addictions, that need to be constantly connected, online, scrolling for affirmation that is often negative and damaging to themselves and others. As a school, we use all the resources we have at our disposal, to support our families but there are no quick or easy solutions. It is a long haul, but we are running a range of activities to support young people engage in digital activities in a safe way. If anyone has any resources that be useful, we are happy to share within our community. We encourage everyone in our community to take ownership of this challenge.

Student Voice will also feature in the coming weeks as our young people engage with the 2026 Attitudes to School Survey. Middle School Students will undertake the survey in the Learning and Wellbeing Centre while Senior School will undertake the survey through their English class. The surveys will begin on May 11. If you have concerns about your child participating, please contact the College.

Just a reminder to all families that array of clubs for students, both at lunchtime and afterschool are now in operation. Please check the Weekly Bulletin for details. Just a call out too that our Student Breakfast Program is now up and running too. A big thank you to our teacher facilitator Melissa Robinson and the students for their wonderful work in this space. We would also like our families to support our Year 7s participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain valuable skills and knowledge. Please contact your child’s English teacher or our Librarian, Tracey Duff, for details.

Next week we have our Learning and Wellbeing Conferences. Please take this opportunity to meet with your student’s teachers and share insights about student learning. We still have a number of families who are yet to download the Term One Progress Report. If you do need any support with this, please contact the General Office.

As the cooler months approach, please be mindful of our School Council endorsed Student Dress Code. As I say to the students, black is not the new blue! We do not endorse black tracksuit pants, black leggings or hoodies. They do not represent who we are. If you need any support with endorsed uniform items, please contact the relevant Sub School.

Education provides our students with the capacity to take ownership of their future. It provides lifelong skills and knowledge. It defines who we are and who we wish to become. That journey starts by coming to school everyday and being part of a community. Its benefit is immeasurable. 

Fern Brisbane

Principal