Principal Report
A message from the Principal
Ms Nerina Pretlove
This week we are acknowledging the work of a core part of our team. They are the first people you meet on arrival in our school and serve you at the front office or on the phone. They are the staff who work supporting students in the classroom, they assist those from the Learning Assistance Faculty during work experience and community access, support our families with translation services and they keep our physical environment in a safe and pristine condition. The SAS, SLSO and GAs are essential to the smooth running of our school and we value their contributions to the teaching and learning each day. Thank you also to our Business Manager, Jackie Smith and School Administration Managers, Kerrie Lane and Trisha Briggs who lead the administration of the school and keep us all in line!
Our students returned, at the beginning of the term, to a freshly painted school. Gone are the heavy dark colours to be replaced by a softer and calmer green and cream. During the break, more classrooms were refurbished with new furniture, blinds, whiteboards and pin boards. We have installed water stations for refilling the drink bottles which we have issued to students to protect them from contamination from sharing bubblers. Two large murals that reflect our diverse student and staff backgrounds have been installed at the front of the school and in the quad. We have also managed to re-carpet half the Library and will complete the rest in the next break. Our electric doors have been installed in the Administration block which will reduce our energy bills by keeping the cool and warmth in across the year. Most exciting was the installation of a cover for the students waiting for their buses in the afternoon which will also morph into another covered sport and physical education space at other times of the day.
Excitedly, there is more! After nearly four years of dreaming and planning, we have finally been given permission by the Department of Education to undertake a complete renovation of the school hall, dance studio and gym. Last week, the tender for the design phase was signed and the successful tenderer will be in the school next week to commence the process. More to come as we progress on this project.
Our Year 12 students are completing their trial exams in preparation for the HSC exams which commence early next term. Students are expected to return to school for one week in Term 4 to complete their revision for their final exams. At this stage, the direction from the Department of Education is that there will be no formals due to directions from NSW Health to prevent the transmission of the Covid-19 virus. With that in mind, we have made a provisional date for a formal following the completion of the exams but that will depend on direction from NSW Health and the DoE. At the moment, we are planning a Graduation Ceremony. However, unfortunately at this stage, it will only be open to students. I understand that this is extremely disappointing for students, families and staff and I can assure you that we are going to do our best to create something special to mark this significant time.
We have commenced the process to prepare the 2021-2024 School Plan. The initial part of the process is the Situational Analysis where we analyse where we are at and where we want to go in the future. We are very proud of our current student leadership team and want to include their voice in the development of our future directions. In addition, we will also reach out to our community for its feedback. More to come later in the year.
Subject selection is underway, with Year 10 and 8 choosing their study pattern for 2021. We expect students to have discussions with their parents and carers about their choices. It is an exciting time and we advise that decisions should be made on areas of interest and possible future career paths rather than friendship groups or expected teachers delivering the subject – both of which may change! Please also understand that some subjects require a fee payment and or specific uniforms and footwear to undertake studies in that area.
The Covid-19 virus and its transmission are still presenting issues for schools. It is a moveable feast and the challenge for all of us is to keep up to date with current and changing information. Please access the Department’s website for the latest information by clicking the button below.
Be aware that this can change at very short notice. Please ensure that you have the NSW Government School Update app on your phone so that you have access to the latest advice and the operational status of our school.
Keep safe.
Nerina Pretlove
Principal