From the Principal

Looking back and looking forward

The story is told that adding an ‘ethics box’ at the front of a tax form is more effective than adding it at the end with respect to taxation declarations (Harvard Business Review 2019). The article suggests ethical organisations more routinely think ‘is it right rather than is it legal?’  It is suggested that the values of an organisation should be made explicit.

This week the College has undertaken a Cyclic Review process which contributes to the compliance of school re-registration regulations in Western Australia. It occurs once in a five-year period. Re-registration of the College as a school in Western Australia is not the issue. We are first and foremost a Catholic school. Our educational outcomes and our enrolment position remain strong. Our College has been historically well-governed and is well positioned as a school of first choice.

Importantly, the process has provided a foundation for us to review the last three years celebrating successes and looking for opportunities for growth and improvement. Our ‘looking back and looking forward’ has been less about compliance and more about growth.  We are aiming to ‘get it right’.

Our self-review suggested that we are a ‘high expectation College and the Principal feels wonderfully supported by delightful students, dedicated staff and a discerning and involved parent body. There is also a high degree of trust and mutual respect between the Principal, the College Leadership Team and College Council’.

This week we have had a cross-section of students, staff and parents speak to the Review panel. It is important that a range of views are canvassed as plans are made for the future. I look forward to sharing further insights at the conclusion of the Review.

NAPLAN Testing

Issues with technology have received widespread media attention this week. After significant interruption with the writing assessment, our College made the decision to revert to paper and pen testing for the remainder of the NAPLAN testing period.

I am very impressed with the manner which our students, staff and families responded to a stressful situation. The College will also provide students with an option of re-sitting the initial writing assessment if required. I encourage families to communicate with their relevant Assistant Principal (Primary School) or Assistant Deputy Principal (Secondary School), if clarification is needed.

Robert Henderson

Principal