Principal's Message
The term has gone by very quickly but has been jammed packed with lots of activities and opportunities for the students.
New Website
Our new website is up and running. It is essential that a school’s virtual gateway is inviting, accessible and exciting. I believe the new website has all these key elements. There are a few areas that will need to be enhanced and we encourage our community to provide us with feedback and advice.
I would like to thank all those involved in the process. In particular Silvana La Leggia and Carol Charles. Thank you to Pepper Digital who enabled our vision to become a reality.
School Evolution
This term I met individually with every staff member to hear their thoughts on the school.
The key questions asked were:
- What is the main strength(s) of the school?
- What is the major challenge(s) for the school?
- If you were Principal how would you overcome the challenge(s)?
- In your role what can you do to improve student outcomes?
- What can the school do to support you?
During the holidays I will collate all the information to ascertain if there are some themes that we need to focus on in our evolutionary steps. I will also be providing opportunities for students and parents/carers to have their say on our direction. This will include workshops and surveys. More information will be provided to the school community in Term 2. I look forward to hearing your ideas and thoughts.
Uniform
The student body is wearing their uniform with pride and the transformation from the start of the year has been remarkable. I want to thank the entire school community in supporting the uniform policy. Well done to the students for embracing this necessary change. In Term 2 we will be asking the school community via surveys and a sub-committee their thoughts and ideas on the 2022 and beyond uniform. It is important that the uniform looks smart but is also comfortable for students to wear. Please keep an eye out for more information early Term 2.
Architect firm selected for the $8.07M buildings upgrade
I am pleased to announce that after a thorough selection process the architect firm of Thomson Adsett has been selected for Principal Consultant Services. They will work closely with the school community to design a masterplan that supports and enhances student outcomes. Sally Brincat who will oversee the project has vast experience in educational architecture. I was very impressed with her presentation. Sally has a commitment to ensuring the school community has a deep involvement in the process.
For more information on Thompson Adsett please click on the following link https://thomsonadsett.com/
Participation
We have had quite a few parents/carers who have volunteered their time to ensure our students can continue to have the opportunities Fairhills provides. External opportunities such as inter-school sports, camps and learning events are essential for the students to develop their social and emotional capacity. Last week I had the opportunity to support the Year 8 volleyball teams. It was great to see the teams in action and their behaviour and effort were exemplary. Mr MacCartney and I would like to thank Alesha McKenzie from Year 9 for being an amazing and inspiring coach to the girl’s team.
I hope you have an enjoyable and well-deserved break. Stay safe, spend quality time together and be healthy.
Regards
Ian Van Schie
Principal