Principal's Report

Parent Payments

Yesterday, parents received a communication in relation to school fees for 2020. College Council is very conscious of the financial demands placed on parents with school fees and therefore always endeavours to keep them as low as possible. In particular our parent representatives provide a valuable insight into how these school fees impact on families and whether they are providing value for money. I encourage all parents to read the information in relation to parents payments, to login to Compass and to contribute by paying the school fees. This year we have been able to complete a number of significant projects around the school which have made an enormous difference to the learning and school experience for our students. The construction of the COLA and landscaping of the surrounds, the construction of the new D Block toilets and the purchase of new learning technologies (e.g. 3-d printers, drones) and equipment are significant examples of the improvements we can make with the financial support of parents. I firmly believe that government schools should strive to have facilities and resources that are as good as those in private schools, and fortunately parent payments are helping us to provide the best for our community.

Mobile Phone Ban

This week we began to implement a change in mobile phone policy that required all students to keep mobile phones in their lockers from the first bell to the last. This has been a significant shift in our policy, after the recent announcement from the state government that mobile phone use in schools will be banned from 2020 onwards. Fortunately, the policy introduction this week has been a success with the vast majority of students complying with the requirements of the new policy. Clearly, this change is harder for some than others, and as a result a very small percentage of mobile phones were confiscated by teachers, taken to the office and collected by students at the end of the day. These numbers have been decreasing as the weeks has gone on. Encouragingly, it is clear when walking around during classes and through the yard during the day that there is an increased level of concentration, a lessening of distractions and an improvement in social interaction and engagement. These were some of the intended consequences of the policy change and it is pleasing to see them being realised. There have been some challenges, with students now being unable to pay for items at the canteen through touch and go via their phones. This phase of implementation will see us further refine our policies and processes, ensuring that we will have all the “kinks ironed out” by the start of the 2020 school year. I’d particularly like to thank the vast majority of parents who have been very vocal in support of implementing the new ban.

School Uniform

Also this week, we have changed our processes for managing indiscretions in relation to students being out of uniform. Unfortunately during the colder months, the standard of the uniform tends to slip and this has occurred over the last few months. Since beginning at the school at the start of 2018, I have been keen to work alongside College Council further refining our school uniform. As a result we have introduced the new rugby jumper, soft shell jacket and face off style pants at the uniform shop. Every single one of these items has been introduced as a result of student feedback. We must provide uniform options that are comfortable, durable, practical and presentable for students. I want to work closely with students to ensure that we are delivering a school uniform that is responsive to their needs. Therefore it is reasonable for us to expect that students will respect the uniform policy and present themselves accordingly. Our teachers and leaders are committed to ensuring that we implement a consistent policy that has clear transparent rules for all our students. We thank parents for their support.

Intentions for 2020

It may be that time of year, where parents are aware of changes to circumstances that will impact enrolment for 2020.  I would encourage any parent who is ware that their student will not be returning in 2020 for whatever reason to contact our office asap.

Kevin Murphy

Principal