Principal's Message

Mrs Josie Crisara

If we always do what is comfortable we don’t learn and grow.

One of our challenges in life is to move outside of our comfortable zones. This in itself has an element of risk and we can succeed or we can fail. However, the learning that ensues, whether there is success or failure, can make us a stronger person. With students, we talk about this as having a growth mindset. Carol Dweck describes it this way:

“In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

As the business end of Semester One approaches, it is a reminder for students about those approaches to learning we ask of them: collaboration, persistence, respect, creativity, self-improvement.

How we challenge ourselves not only happens in the classroom but also in co-curricular activities and community involvement. Student involvement in assemblies, student councils, in sport, performing arts and book club is a chance to enrich their understanding of the world and provides opportunity for challenge and growth.

Next week the Year 9 students go on camp to Broken Hill where they will be challenged to consider the important role this town has in this country’s development and also learn about the local indigenous community, see national parks and link this to curriculum outcomes in Science, English, Humanities and Like Skills. It also provides students with the opportunity for personal challenge through group initiatives, working independently and resilience.

Strategy Plan

The College Board is embarking on a process for developing our next strategic plan. This process will involve students, staff, parents and the wider College community and will include focus groups and surveys. I encourage you to contribute to this process to make our school the best it can be.

Vaping

One of the concerning trends among young people sweeping across our community is vaping. There is a misconception sometimes that vaping is harmless; however, research is starting to find that there are longer-term effects with damage to lungs and the body being different to that of cigarette smoke. The chemicals used in vaping equipment clearly demonstrate that when they are inhaled they have quite toxic effects. The rising numbers of children accessing vaping equipment is alarming and parents are encouraged to explain the harmful effect of this practice. Vaping is not safe and it is illegal to vape on school grounds. Parents must not be vaping on school grounds and students caught vaping or with vaping equipment will receive consequences and an education program. Further information can be found at:

Parents and Friends Association

Thank you to all who support the Parents and Friends Association activities. Some of their fundraising was used to purchase the barbecues located here which are part of the Kitchen Garden precinct.