Principal's Report

Last week was Education Week and Cowra High celebrated Public Education with the Lachlan Valley Learning Community’s (LVLC) Schools Spectacular.  The LVLC consists of all public High schools and Primary schools in Cowra, Canowindra and surrounding areas.  We utilise our combined resources to enhance the educational opportunities for our students in a variety of ways.  On this occasion for the second time, we have highlighted the amazing artistic talents of our students with a combined performance that included choral and solo singers, featured dancers and huge combined dance ensembles, drama and comedy and a plethora of instrumental performances.  It was heartening to see the Civic Centre at capacity and to know that the performance, whether from the youngest Kindy child to the polished HSC performers was of a standard every school is extremely proud of achieving.  Last week I also travelled to Canowindra to view the combined LVLC Art exhibition.  Although in numbers the exhibition was not at the same scale as the Spectacular, the quality was at the same standard set by the performers.  The art ranged from the beautiful to the intriguing.  I hope people took the time to visit the exhibition.

Speaking of the performing arts, on 16 August our HSC Dancers will complete the practical component of the HSC examination. In preparation, the students put on a HSC Dance and Music night.  This provides students with valuable performance experience before their exams, but it was also an opportunity for us to see the culmination of all the hard work that has taken place not only over the last two years but dare I say, at least the last six years.  I was extremely proud of the growth of our singers and dancers under the careful guidance of Mrs Buckley and Mr Hughes.  The performances were without exception, outstanding.  I think it is unnecessary but I know everyone wishes our performing students; Emma Rowston, Georgie Rowe, Hope Martin-Edgar, Imajen James and Ellie Tomlinson all the very best in their upcoming examinations.

This week we welcome our sister school students from Seikei High in Japan.  This biannual visit is an important part of our long term relationship with Seikei High.  Last year our students had the great pleasure of being hosted in Japan and this year we are returning the experience for our visitors.  All reports have indicated they are enjoying their brief Cowra experience.  Highlights to date have been visits to significant Cowra sites such as the POW camp and War cemetery. Though I think the students and teachers are quietly very excited by today’s visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, where they will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Australian wildlife.  I thank all those families who have opened their homes to our visitors.  These intimate experiences of everyday Australian life and the close bonds that are formed with the students are what make our relationship so special for Seikei High and us.

A quick reminder that we be holding a UAC information night and Parent & Teachers interviews for Year 12 students on Monday night. Bookings can be done online via our Millennium parent portal.  If you don’t have access to the portal or the internet, please contact the school and we will provide assistance in organising the bookings.

Have a great fortnight.

Charles Gauci