From the Principal
Another year has flown
At the Year 6 graduation, I was reminded how quickly time passes. These students were in Prep when I arrived at Plenty Valley, and they made me feel welcome. Now they are on the cusp of becoming young adults.
It is an honour to watch children grow and mature. In six more years, we will sadly bid them farewell as they transition from school into adulthood. Staff at Plenty Valley commit themselves and pour their enthusiasm, energy and hearts into helping our young people navigate and thrive at school. It is a unique role that means we farewell young people we have grown to love each year.
We pray that Christmas and the holidays will be a safe time of relaxation and recreation for both students and parents. A chance just to “be” together.
Honouring our staff
In a diverse culture like ours we need to create social glue that holds it all together. 25 years ago (I can remember that), we talked about a values neutral curriculum. Now governments are looking at creating graduates who, not only contribute positively to the economy, but also possess the value system they have decided on.
The more that governments get involved in the day-to-day life of a school, the greater the expectations, oversight, reviews, and accountability documents are required. Education is the second most regulated industry in Australia. The most regulated is medicine.
I am sure you have heard that it has increased teacher workload to a point where people who love kids and love teaching no longer want to teach as a career and as a result, there is a severe shortage of teachers and educational leaders everywhere. We are grateful to God that we have a full staff for next year willing to go above and beyond for our students and grateful for the dedicated group of support staff who are also ramping up their workload to support their teacher colleagues with their burden.
Whilst none of us are perfect, our staff work hard to teach your children well, be an authentic Christian community and model our college values to these children we are committed to, under constant and significant pressure. I am proud to be their principal and honour them all.
Staff Farewells
Sadly, not only children leave school but staff as well. This year we say goodbye to:
Haley Brandon – teaching at Oxley Christian College next year.
James Stacey – taking up other career opportunities.
Chris Finger – after an amazing 23 years of service, Chris is moving into a not so busy phase of life next year.
Wayne Gillie – after 21 years teaching at Plenty Valley, Wayne is popping over to help Melton Christian College to work with them for 2024.
Jacqueline Mascoulis – after helping us out for 2023 Jacqueline is returning to CRT to have more time with family.
Mitchell Bailey – continuing studies in 2024.
Louise Hunter – after 14 years putting band aides on students (and dealing with other more serious issues), Louise is moving into a not so busy phase of life.
Sam Henderson – will remain part of the college community in a Casual Relief role.
Oshala Perera – will remain part of the college community in a Casual Relief role.
Yin Wei Pan - will remain part of the college community in a Casual Relief role.
We are grateful for the contributions each of these staff have given to our college community and the many children’s lives they have supported and influenced for the Lord.
John Metcalfe
Principal