PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Student Leadership

Anecdotal and academic evidence consistently demonstrates that student leaders thrive when they are empowered, encouraged and provided with the essential tools and opportunities to make genuine change within their school communities. These students become an invaluable asset to their families and the schools that have provided them with the opportunities to develop these essential life skills. The leadership program being developed and implemented by Mr Christopher Ingold (Head of Secondary School) and Mrs Kylie Chacon (Head of Junior School) will endow our student leaders the skills, passion and consistent opportunities to perform their roles to the best of their abilities, to be role models for all students and create a College culture and environment that is dynamic, safe, flourishing and supportive. 

All of us are living in a time that is vastly different to that of just two decades ago or even two years ago. Access to, and expertise in the use of technology, coupled with changes to our global, national and local social dynamic means that our students are more engaged with issues beyond their direct physical experience and, as such, can often feel more helpless, frustrated and concerned about the world and their place in it (especially over the last 12 months). Interestingly, our students are seeing that technology, mindsets and actions – that they can initiate – can have an impactful and long-lasting influence on the world – locally, nationally and globally. 

Our K – 12 leadership program develops the interpersonal, problem-solving and leadership skills essential for our future and provides experiences that will benefit our students, our families, our College and the wider world. At The Riverina Anglican College, our leaders are provided with all the tools to allow them to harness their awesome potential for the benefit of all.

Training the educators of the future

One of the wonderful aspects of working at The Riverina Anglican College is the opportunity to share knowledge and best practice with the educators of the future. Two of our staff are currently engaged as sessional academics with Charles Sturt University.

Mr Luke Richardson (Science) is engaged with pre-service teachers in Science and Technology Curriculum Studies (K-6 STEM). Mr Richardson’s course examines the K-6 curriculum documents for science and technology and he is working collaboratively with his students to design and develop a science and technology program of learning through the use of contemporary theories of learning in science and technology, including constructivist and conceptual change perspectives. In Semester 2, Mr Richardson will take on new challenges as he mentors young teachers in planning for diverse learners.

Mr Ryan Robertson (PDHPE) is working with his CSU students (K-12, Early Childhood and Primary) in the subject Health and Physical Activity, to explore and experience the contemporary nature and role of health and physical activity in the lives of children. Mr Robertson’s course examines some of the factors that impact on children's health, wellbeing, resilience and participation in physical activity. Mr Robertson is using the experience garnered at The Riverina Anglican College and his own elite level athletic experience. As an experienced educator, Mr Robertson is well-placed to explore contemporary children's health issues such as personal safety, child protection, healthy eating, drug use, sexual and mental health with enthusiastic pre-service teachers.

These wonderful connections with our community are recognition of the teaching and learning excellence at The Riverina Anglican College and I would like to acknowledge not only Mr Robertson and Mr Richardson, but all of our staff for their professionalism and their leadership in our wider community.

Paul Humble | Principal