Importance of Having a Goal

It is so important to have goals, both long term or short term goals. Goals motivate and can be the reason we get up in the morning. Our year 7 students are about to embark on the next stage in their life’s journey. They have been exposed to opportunities throughout their time at Hackham East Primary School to broaden their horizons and to glimpse the possibilities of what the future might hold for them. Having a goal of getting into a university or TAFE course or apprenticeship can be the driver for them to do well at high school and apply themselves to their studies. Having goals has also been shown to enhance mental health.

I had a goal to be a teacher ever since I was six years old. In 1973, I entered Sturt Teachers College and graduated with a Bachelor of Education 4 years later. I said that I was prepared to teach anywhere in the state as long as it was near the sea as I was a keen surfer. My goal was fulfilled when, in the Education Department’s wisdom, I was appointed to Orroroo Area School in the Mid North in 1977 and then in 1978 spent the next 13 years at Hendon Primary School honing my teaching skills in the diverse multicultural community. It was here that I wrote 5 children’s musicals all of which were later performed at Hackham East Primary School. I was appointed to Hackham East Primary School in 1991. During this year, the then Principal, Mr Graham Tilbrook encouraged me to apply for the Principal position at Penong Rural School some 850 km away on the West Coast of SA which also happens to be 20 kilometres from the world famous Cactus surfing beach. As Penong was a 2 teacher school I had a teaching load 3 days per week teaching all year levels Reception to Year 7.

My goal to be a good teacher then became extended to become the best leader I could be. In 1995 I was fortunate to win the position of Deputy Principal back at Hackham East Primary School under Les Graham and Wendy Anderson as Primary and Junior Primary Principals. The Junior Primary and Primary Schools were still 2 separate identities but working together collaboratively. I was Deputy to both. In 2000 I won the Principal position and the rest they say is “history”.

A goal in the 24 years I have been here has been to transform the school into the best learning environment possible. My first job was to demolish the school zoo after some vandals killed all the animals. The Kindy was moved on site so that we could provide an effective seamless K-7 pathway. The large open space units in Stillwell and Holly and their sunken wells (those who were here would remember these) were developed into the classrooms and learning spaces that exist now. The oval was redesigned and drainage improved. Roofs were replaced, new air-conditioning, library extended, play surfaces improved. We were able to maximise the BER money to demolish the dilapidated Castle and Penney Units which included the old canteen and construct the purpose built Penney Space, Conference Room and Canteen. With the amalgamation of the 2 schools, the Reception and office areas were developed along with the covered walkway, new verandahs, electronic sign and the attractive development of the entrance to the school. Recently the STEM Works redevelopment and the opening of the new Nature Play Area have been great additions to the learning environment.

Another goal of mine was to have the school at the cutting edge of technology to maximise learning opportunities for students and staff. We were one of the first schools to be networked, to have wifi throughout, to operate a curriculum network and to have computers in classes and learning spaces rather than in computer rooms like other schools. My belief has always been that the technology should be where the learning is happening. Our school was at the forefront of student movie making winning state, national and international awards. The 1:1 iPad program for year 3-7 provides students with advanced portable learning tools.

The most important goal was to make Hackham East Primary School a safe, caring community that put student learning and wellbeing at the centre of everything. The most essential ingredient was to have the best possible leaders, teachers and SSOs working with our students. While the recruitment of teachers is not always in our hands, I believe that this goal has been achieved. The entire school community are so blessed to have the most hard working, dedicated, most skilful and professional staff that I have had the honour of working with. I cannot speak highly enough of the skills, passion and commitment of Sally, Scott and every member of our staff team.

I would like to acknowledge the parents who serve on the Governing Council led by Aileen Winstanley, as chair. The parents on the Council do so much behind the scenes which benefit every child. Thank you to Jacky Smith and her team who run the best OSHC program in Australia. Thanks to Coralie Goodman who has done so much to keep the Canteen afloat, volunteering so much of her own time to provide this great service to our school. Thank you to the few volunteers who support her.

Another goal has been to create the best learning environment for our students. Our school is highly respected for its wellbeing programs. For the past 12 years, the school has followed the Play Is The Way philosophy. We endeavour to help our students be self regulated, self directed and self motivated. We want them do the right thing because it is the best thing for everyone and to live by the Golden Rule of treating others the way that they like to be treated. We operate from a set of values rather than rules. We allow children to take risks, problem solve and make decisions about their learning. We do whatever we can to equip students to engage in their learning programs to become the best people they can be. The Interoception program, introduced and developed by Sally, has become a model adopted by schools around the state and we have had many visitors come to see how we implement Play Is The Way.

The time has come for me to retire and focus on new and different goals. After devoting so much time to children at this school, I can now focus on my own children and do all the “Dad” things that I have been unable to do in the past. I will have the time to support my aged parents. I have a goal to improve my guitar playing, learn Spanish, do a photography course, volunteer for local charities, travel and surf.

I hope that your children set high goals and strive to achieve them with passion.

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the Hackham East School Community for 24 years. I wish you all the very best for the future.

Bob Thiele, Principal