Principal's Report

The end of Term 3 each year is always a very busy time and 2016 has not been any different.

The most important event of the term is Year 12’s completion of their formal studies. It has been wonderful watching these young people enjoying their final week of school with some fun activities although it was a bit disturbing seeing some of our hairier boys (with full beards) running around in costume for their cross-dressing Tuesday. In all seriousness, although enjoying the week and the special farewell assembly, Year 12 has maintained their exemplary standard as respectful and responsible role models. I hope all will work hard over the next three weeks as they prepare for their HSC examinations and I wish them the very best for these exams.

The Cowra Show was again a great opportunity to highlight a small portion of the positive outcomes Cowra High students regularly achieve and to be involved in a significant community event. I hope many of you had the opportunity to visit our show stand and talk to the enthusiastic staff manning it. I congratulate all the students who had work displayed, whether it was History, Science, Industrial Arts or the Arts, as the work was outstanding. We had much more available then we could physically fit in the stand. Well done to all.

Thursday night after the Show I travelled to Sydney to experience our Stage 5 dancers Jemima Sullivan, Erika Sullivan, Brigette Healy, Lucy Jones, Millie Casey, Maisie Thompson & Victoria King and our State Dance Ensemble dancers Chloe Fricker, Nicola Carter, Hope Martin-Edgar & Francesca Fenton perform at the Seymour Centre for the State Dance Festival. This was a beautiful experience and I was extremely proud to hear Cowra High’s name being mentioned on the same program as multiple Performing Arts High Schools.

On Friday night we also had Jesse Murray and Imajen James performing in the festival as part of the State Indigenous Dance Ensemble. Unfortunately, I was not able to stay for a second night, but reports are resounding in their praise for their performances. Cowra High is extremely lucky to have such a successful Dance program and I’m waiting with great anticipation for the NSW Schools Spectacular next term.

Saturday morning Cowra High was open with tours of the school for the Back 2 Cowra celebrations. The tours were conducted by Alana Ryan, Tobie Gilmore and myself. It was fantastic to listen to so many wonderful stories of life at Cowra High and the fond memories people still have of their time as students and the significant role staff have played in their lives.

Saturday afternoon saw the Cowra Seikei Exchange committee hosting the Chor Farmer Choir from Japan, with a high standard performance at the Civic Centre. The significance of this, the 20th visit was acknowledged with a presentation to the committee by a member of the Japanese Embassy who presented them with a Certificate of Achievement for their 40-year contribution towards international cultural understanding and peace.

This week we announced our School Captains for 2017! Congratulations to Captains Lucy Wilson & Jackson Oliver and Vice-Captains Tahlia Veney & Kurt Johnstone pictured above with 2016 School Captains.

Have a restful, safe and hopefully, dry break.

School resumes for all students on Monday 10 October.

Until next term,

Charles Gauci