Principal's Report

One of the undeniable benefits of an independent school education is a vibrant co-curricular program.  Latest research states that structured co-curricular activities supervised by specialist staff does lead to higher academic performance and increased student motivation and engagement.  At College we see the benefits of this time and again and last week was no different.

Last Thursday, our athletes represented us at the Independent Country Co-Educational Schools Carnival at Albert Park Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne. Sixty-four of the College’s finest contested valiantly against seven other like schools and their success in winning the STAR Shield is to be commended.  Thank you Mr Alexander, Mr Churchill, Mrs Williams and Mrs McQueen for your support of our students.

On Saturday, College played host to the Western District Interschool Equestrian Championships.  Over 50 riders contested in dressage, handy mount, ‘rider class’ and showjumping equitation. The day provided a wonderful opportunity for girls from Years 3 to 11 to represent the College in the sport they love.  Adding extra celebration to the cause was the announcement that College had won the Overall Schools Trophy for the fifteenth time since its inception.  I thank Ms te Boekhorst, Mrs Archer, Ms Claridge, Mrs Sutherland, Mrs Paton, Mrs Weinberg, Mrs Officer, Mrs Hodgetts, Mr Featherston and all the other families who assisted with support, encouragement and organisation on the day.

Finally, our Jazz Combo performed for the first time at the Generations in Jazz festival in Mount Gambier.  Departing on Friday, our talented musicians immersed themselves in the James Morrison Pavilion for three days, observing professional musicians at work. They highly enjoyed the interactive workshops sharing their passion for music with 30 different schools from across the country.  I sincerely thank Mr Hiscock, Mr Guez and Mr Hunter for escorting our students to South Australia over the weekend.

The world famous musician Louis Armstrong was once asked to define jazz. His response was, “Man, if you gotta ask, you’ll never know.”  Like jazz, the benefits of a College education are often experienced as a feeling but the results are tangible and lead to life long memories. 

Dr Andrew Hirst