Principal Report

Earlier this week I made the decision to write to our school community after a couple of meetings and discussions with our Year 12 students ahead of their final few days and celebration plans, which I hope you don’t mind me repeating here on the chance some missed that earlier communication. 

I wanted to make sure the community knew what a remarkable cohort they were and how proud we were of them. I was so impressed with their engagement with us as we, like all staff leading Year 12’s nationally, moved with trepidation towards the risks of last day celebrations!  In every conversation we were confident that they would celebrate the end of their secondary schooling in a way that reflects their caliber and character and the values of the school. I did not hesitate in assuring the community ahead their last day we had high expectations and that they would be honoured. I was especially confident that all community members, especially our other students and staff, could remain safe and respected on campus and beyond.  

On their last day they were amazing! It was a pleasure for all to be amongst them as their pride and excitement at this key moment in life. Their celebrations were good humoured, witty and fun! (I didn’t mind removing 200 balloons from my office😉)!

Another key part of my message earlier in the week was that absolute majority had done their whole schooling at Wangaratta High School. It is so pleasing that this wonderful school (i.e.. our super staff!) can take some of the credit for nurturing and supporting their growth and learning and nourishing a collective culture that is friendly, respectful, hard-working and fun-spirited. The rest of the credit rightly goes to their parents and carers and to the students themselves! 

I would admit to some sadness that I had not had the opportunity to know such a group well, having only started here in March of their final year. However, my engagement with them energises me further about the continual ongoing journey of this wonderful school and what a remarkable role our school is playing in this community.  

I wish them all the very best as they prepare for their VCE Exams, and for the exams themselves that commence shortly. I look forward to seeing them all together for our Graduation Dinner after their exams. 

BTW – do not miss the opportunity to hear from author, astrophysicist and past Wangaratta High School student Krystal de Napoli this coming Tuesday, the 25th of October – see details in this newsletter.

Have a great weekend everyone,

Dave Armstrong 

Executive Principal