School Council

Tonight, before our final OOPS Council meeting for 2023, we had a chance to meet for a meal and share some social time. This included Duncan reminiscing about Year 6 Graduations over the years - some memories of 40 degree days in Drayton Hall (before the air conditioing was installed) with catering provided by Year 5 students! Of course, more recently these have been held at the more luxurious Karalyka Centre with professional catering. But the common thread was how emotional Duncan is when shaking hands with the young adults who are reaching this significant milestone. Duncan, I'm pretty sure I saw you tearing up a little tonight as you were talking about it!

We discussed the important business as usual - including reports from the Principal and Vice Principal, Facilities and Finances, and celebrated the success of the Fete and other events.  The Council is delighted to announce that following the Fathers Day Breakfast and the Spring Carnival "Ladies Day" the school will donate a portion of the funds raised to The Fathering Project ($500) and the Ovarian Cancer Association ($1000). 

The strength of the school community was on full display at the Fete with so many parents, students, teachers and other members of the local community involved. The nearly $40,000 raised will go towards resurfacing of our asphalt areas over the Summer holidays. Fiona Kirby, Sheree Knight and Pip Cariss were acknowledged for their extraordinary contribution to make this happen.

Tonight we had also had the opportunity to see the 2022 School Review Report and the new Strategic Plan that is being developed. Some things have gone well; in some areas we have expectations that we want to do better. There is a clear direction to focus on our core objectives - literacy and numeracy targets and our strategy to achieve this. Craig Gooding, our Learning Specialist has previously presented on the numeracy strategy and tonight we learned that Ellen Hurley has been appointed Learning Specialist for Literacy. 

Reflecting on tonight and the conclusion of another year on OOPS Council, the overwhelming impression I have is how passionate every person is on making our school the best it can be for our students (our children!), our teachers and support staff and our wider school community. And I don't mean just the council - so many people have invested their time and energy into our community, whether it be the Fete, other events, or connecting with other families through kids birthday parties or social gatherings. I am grateful for the privilege to be part of this wonderful community.

On behalf of the OOPS School Council, thank you.  Stay safe for the holiday season and we'll see you next year.

Michael Wong - School Councilor