Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we are now in the second half of the last term of the year I thought it best to summarise where we are at with staffing, improvement plans and end of year fixtures.

In week 7 secondary students have the opportunity to sit examinations in English, Maths, Science and HSIE subjects. It is pleasing to note that over half the secondary students have opted to complete one or more of the exams. The exams will take place in the School Hall.
The school will host a Secondary MADD Night (Music, Art, Design and Dance) event in the school hall on Thursday 5th December 2024, from 6-7:30pm (approx.). This evening will showcase the work of secondary students in the area of creative and performing arts.
The school Leadership team is workshopping an improvement agenda for 2025. Much of the work from this year will be continued into 2025 especially around results orientation and student connections to school. In secondary we are looking at a mentor group model and specific tailored programs to help students connect within year levels and across year levels. We will also have a heavy emphasis on bullying programs and how we can support the wellbeing of all students. We will have a pastoral period focusing on well being and student voice/agency each fortnight.
Over the next week, student leaders will be elected. We have changed the secondary team to include two School Captains, a Sports Captain and a Mission and Well Being Captain. We have had a number of students apply and they will present speeches before voting takes place. We need to be listening to our students and provide them with authentic avenues for addressing concerns.
We will not be continuing a dedicated TAFE/VET/Short Course day in 2025. Instead, students in Stage 5 can complete a Certificate 1 in either Tourism, Automotive or Manufacturing. A VET course will be offered on the elective line but this will depend on student numbers. We will be having a full 10 day timetable for secondary students and this will mean more time devoted to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. We also intend to provide a scope for ability classes in English, Maths and Science so that students can work at a pace that suits their learning requirements.
For this time of year we are in a good position with staffing and have been able to finalise primary and infants staffing. Our ability to provide small classes has been maintained and at the same time we have been able to provide further assistance through Educational Assistants. We still require some secondary teachers and we are beginning to see applicants for these positions.
The school's annual presentation day will be held on Friday 13th December - more information to follow.
The Building Project is taking shape. We will not gain occupancy until the end of Term 1, 2025. This is unfortunate, but will allow us time to set the rooms up over the Easter break. I am the first to acknowledge that circumstances have not been easy but congratulate students and staff for their perseverance and resilience in the face of challenge.
Over the next two weeks we will have transition days for Kindergarten 2025 and Year 7 2025. Our numbers for both grades are good but there's still room for any late enrolments.
The School Advisory Council AGM will be held at the school from 6:00pm on the 26th November. The School Advisory Council provides an essential perspective for the Principal. Members contribute holistically and are not driven by personal agendas in discussing broader issues. Members provide an essential link between the school and its community.
Mr Rhys Smith (AEA) has accepted another position outside of the school and will be leaving us next week. Rhys has been a valued member of the school team and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Kind Regards

Simon Fleming

Principal