Whytalla

Assistant 


Principal Report 

We are being told that the number of Flu and Covid-19 cases will peak around the middle of this term, not very encouraging news given the impact of student and staff absences last term and already this term. As a community we continue to show resiliency, but more importantly, the confidence that the show must go on.

 

Over the next few weeks we have a range of camps and extra-curricular activities happening which really is great for our young people. This week we have a large number of students from Year 9 & 10 heading to the Bogong Camp with our cluster partners in Balmoral and Goroke. With the recent cold weather, I would imagine that there will be plenty of snow around and I am sure that all of the participants will have a great time. Students in grade 5 & 6 have the opportunity to attend Somers camp for 10 days in coming weeks and we also have a free camp for students from 7 – 10 at Lorne, again with our cluster partners. 

 

Given the fact our young people have missed so much over the past couple of years it is great to be able to provide them with the opportunity to make up for some lost time. Camps provide so many important memories for young people as well as developing:

  • Independence 
  • Strong, positive relationship with teacher/s which can assist in students learning 
  • A student's social skills Decision-making skills 
  • Increased environmental awareness 

Students are currently selecting subjects for 2023 and whilst this can be a confusing time, especially for those students who haven’t thought too far ahead, it is an opportunity to chat with staff members, parents and peers to start thinking about potential pathways. 

Prior to my return to Edenhope College I was accepted into the Unlocking Potential Principal Preparation Program (UP) with the focus of developing my professional knowledge, capability and confidence to lead for learning. The culmination of this program has been spending 4 weeks with Rob Pyers, the principal of Horsham College. Rob has been the Principal of HC for 8 years, and after 5 years was awarded the Secondary Principal of the Year at the Victorian Education Excellence Awards. A Warracknabeal native, he has held Leadership positions for 20 years in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria as Principal of Dimboola and Horsham. The experience has been extremely beneficial to my own development and I am indebted to the support from the Edenhope College community for supporting me to complete this in such challenging times. This week I will be sharing my key learning with the Principal Class at Horsham College and staff at Edenhope College. Below is an abridged version of the 6 key take-aways from my time with Rob. 

 

Doing the Simple Right

  • Going back to our core purpose as educators and using this as the umbrella for all of our decisions 
    • Beginning with the end in mind 
  • Establishing the foundations to enable growth 

Trust

  • Familiarity and understanding with students, parents and staff to deepen trust 

Human Leadership

  • Leading by example
  • Having high emotional intelligence
  • Being authentic and empathetic
  • Maintaining calm with confidence in challenging times
  • Communicating with clarity and support 

Living our values 

  • Safe
  • Respectful
  • Willing to Learn 

Patience

  • Thinking clearly, reasoning through possible eventualities, and responding appropriately
  • Understanding that there are no quick fixes 
  • Reflecting on an old Buddhist fable tells the tale of a buffalo tormented by a monkey who teases him endlessly. One day, the other animals ask the buffalo why he tolerates the monkey’s antics. The buffalo calmly responds, “Because the monkey teaches me patience. Patience leads to peace. And peace is bliss.”

Entrepreneurial 

  • Scanning external environments looking for opportunities and creative solutions to complex educational issues to ensure that our students have the opportunity to be prepared for potential opportunities post-school 
    • Understanding our context and acting in the interest of our community

 

I am really looking forward to being back at Edenhope College full-time to continue our improvement journey.  

 

It has been great to see students from F – 6 working together in the sand pit during lunch and recess. The leadership, team-work and inclusivity has been a pleasure to witness. 

 

 

Chad Frost