From the Principal

Today we have had the pleasure of hosting two representatives from the International Baccalaureate organisation as part of our reauthorisation process. Every five years, schools that offer any of the IB programs are required to demonstrate that their programs continue to meet the rigorous program standards and how they have implemented their improvement agenda over the past five years. This is the final part of a three-step process for the reauthorisation of our Primary Years Program. The visit includes classroom observations, interviews with primary teachers, parents, students and Board members.

Our two evaluators, one from Singapore and one from Melbourne, have expressed their appreciation for the beautiful school site that provides substantial space for learning and play and for the warmth and friendliness of students and staff. They have also commented on how much they have appreciated how we have woven together our Christian foundations with the IB mission, to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through education that builds intercultural understanding and respect. 

I want to express my deep appreciation for Mrs Jenny Mahoney who leads the implementation of the PYP at the College and to the amazing primary staff who have invested many additional hours to finalise the necessary documentation. I also want to recognise the importance of our many curious and inquisitive young people who bring the PYP program to life each day as they ask fascinating questions, delve into a diverse range of inquiry topics and plan how to put their learning into action. It is always a great source of joy to witness students taking delight in learning and appreciate how the PYP creates supports this.

Last week, I noted that our Year 6 students and teachers were in Sydney and Canberra for the week. The staff have reiterated to me how proud they were of the students throughout the whole time away, but particularly when they were informed they would need to spend an extra night in Sydney because of delays at the airport there. While tired and ready to be home the students and teachers managed the situation extremely well.

This week, we are especially mindful of praying for our Year 11/12 students as they undertake their external examinations. Please pray that they keep a sense of calm and focus through the next two weeks and that they can enter the examinations confident in the preparation work they have undertaken.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.  And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

~ 1 John 5:14-15

Jodie Bennett

Principal