Principal's Message

Message from Mr Graham Jones
As I write this report 48 excited primary students and their teachers are on their way to discover the gold fields at Hill End Ranch. Hours of planning has gone into this excursion to ensure it is a fun, educational and safe experience for all involved. I hope the students will settle down long enough to let the teachers have some sleep tonight.
Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus for the first 2 weeks of Term 4 was Value Achievement. Too often, in secondary particularly, students seem embarrassed to be recognised by their peers for their effort and achievement. It is seen as not cool to be good at something or not an enviable position to be standing in front of the school to accept accolades. I reflect on this feeling and I wonder why. I wonder if our students feel that recognition of achievement is to be shunned? Do they feel that they are being recognised for something they do not deserve, not striving to achieve or not been challenged to learn? Is it the tendency of others to discredit or disparage those who have achieved notable achievements or prominence in public life, otherwise known as Tall Poppy Syndrome? Or is being confident in ones ability viewed as being full of myself? Can we not be proud of our achievements and celebrate those of others free of judgement or ridicule? Through our actions, are we encouraging our young ones to strive for excellence or settle for mediocre? I know with my children it is a tough challenge to encourage them to try hard and to be confident but at the same time guide them to stay humble. I challenged the secondary school community to recognise and celebrate their own and others successes for the achievements that they are. Hopefully this will be evident at our annual Presentation night on the Thursday, 12 December with many proud students receiving awards.
Do not forget that next week we have our Grandparents and Special friends day on Wednesday and our Book Fair in the library. We also have our Year 12 Formal next Friday night. I look forward to seeing you all again.
Invitations will be going out next week for our annual 'End of Year Family BBQ' which will be held on 27 November at 6:00pm. Come along for a sausage sandwich, a relaxing chat and a game of cricket. It is always such a great way to unwind heading into the last few weeks of school and the holidays.