PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Parents, carers and families are the first and most important influence on a child’s life, instilling the values that will support young people to participate in schooling and contribute to broader local and global communities. (The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians)

For a school to be successful it relies on a positive partnership with parents, high levels of parent involvement and the community and research indicates that the connection improves the learning outcomes of students. Kew High School appreciates and values the partnership that exists. Parents in particular and communities in general make an outstanding contribution to enriching school programs, by supporting teachers in their work and in the provision of quality experiences for the students.

At this time, we would like to recognise the immeasurable contribution of Elizabeth Capp who has been our School Council President since 2008. Needless to say the School Council President is a singular and critical role in a school. It is imperative that the President has the school's best interests at heart, is in accord with school values and is committed to its forward motion in terms of whole school achievement. The President needs to be aware of the challenges facing the school as well as being able to contribute in a creative and innovative way to ensure it takes up each and every opportunity and turns them into opportunities for growth. The president also needs to be able to lead a team of school community personnel as they make key strategic decisions which will impact on the school in the long-term. We have been fortunate indeed that Elizabeth, our President for seven years, has exhibited all these characteristics and competencies. You will remember from all her contributions at our Presentation Nights that she is thoughtful, insightful and graceful.

 Elizabeth has been a positive ambassador for the school at all times, tirelessly working to ensure that Kew High School was constantly evaluating policies, processes and procedures and encouraging us to celebrate improvement. Her insight into the education arena garnered from her own career in tertiary institutions has been invaluable to us over the years.  All meetings were efficiently run and Elizabeth ensured all views were canvassed, ideas affirmed and every member listened to and valued while she was in the Chair. She encouraged active participation and lively discussion. She injected humour and a sense of optimism into the Council. Despite her own busy schedule, Elizabeth always made herself available to the school and I always valued her loyalty. This led to high levels of trust and all of our staff who have served on the Council will attest to this.

Our School Council is a united and supportive group that always places whole school issues first before personal demands. The degree of commitment and enthusiasm is obvious and this, in a large measure, is due to Elizabeth.

Clare Entwisle