Principal's Report

The 2017 year has concluded with the Senior and Middle Years’ Final Services.  Both services captured a student’s view of the year and included their highlights of camps and year level activities. The wonderful achievements of students in their academic pursuits and service contributions were celebrated, and highlighted the many ways students engage in their learning whether in the classroom or beyond, and the impact it has on their development as young people.  We also acknowledged students that made significant contributions to the College in the last year.  Congratulations to all award recipients!

What a wonderful way to conclude the year – celebrating students’ achievement.  As you receive your student’s report, take time to really celebrate the positive things that have been highlighted in it.  Our natural tendency is to see the deficits, and look for ways to improve.  While this is important, what is equally important is to celebrate the small and large improvements and the positive comments and achievements as well!

The final services also acknowledged the following staff leaving our community:  

Rebecca Scott-Toms and Melissa Fiacchi, Stephanie Sheridan, Rebecca Corcoran and Courtney Bond complete contracts at the College. Chiquita Murrian, Suz Brook and Jason Turner also move to new positions.  We thank them all for their dedicated contribution to the learning environment at the College. Their leadership and care for students during their time here has been highly valued.

Pastor Dale Gosden moves to Concordia College.  We have been grateful for Dale’s strong spiritual leadership in the College, for his encouragement to young people in their faith journey and for using his wonderful gifts of preaching and music to enhance his ministry at Endeavour.

Two valued staff members retire from their service to our community.  Susan Young has served as English Learning Leader, teacher and Gifted and Talented Leader for seven years.  Her knowledge and passion for English and her role as mentor and colleague has been truly appreciated.  Frances Brussow also retires after eleven years as Library Technician.  She too has used her gifts and passion to serve those who frequent the library.

Karen Kesby takes extended leave for 2018 and Ellen Kaesler will take Long Service Leave in Term 1. 

At the end of a busy year, I also wish to thank you as parents and caregivers for your on-going support and encouragement of your students in 2017.  Working in partnership with the College enables students to truly develop their potential whilst they manoeuvre their way through some challenging years in their growth as young people. 

My thanks also goes to the amazing work that the staff do in large and small ways to support student learning, and provide wonderful learning opportunities for our students. 

Our focus now turns to Christmas and holidays.  The holiday break gives time to refresh and relax, and space to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - a time when God’s gift of baby Jesus was given to us - a gift of hope.  I wish each of you the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love at Christmas and always.

Blessings for a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Heather Vogt

Principal

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6