PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear Parents and members of the Mount Eliza Secondary College community

As we come to the end of a half a year of learning, I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with our teachers’ perspective and reflection of overall student progress to date.

Whilst we know that the environment we have created here at the school is a positive one, a constant challenge remains to genuinely engage our students in the learning opportunities that are available for them. This is in fact, the significant challenge for formal education worldwide, amidst concerns that as our young people develop in a world where instant gratification is available (no need to wait for information as it is available 24/7, no need to wait to speak to someone, no need to wait for an opportunity to express your opinion) the risk is real that their ability to persevere may decline.

It is understandably difficult for some young people to see the connection between several years of effort now, and the impact that this will have in future. Some feel for example, that the middle school years don't matter that much and that they will just work hard when they get to years 11 and 12. As professionals, we know that this is possible but unlikely, as the key determinants of success are the personal learning behaviours that we value so highly at this college, and which must be developed continuously over time.

Whilst we are committed to doing all we can to strengthen students' understanding of the importance of effort and perseverance, and to the provision of the most up to date and research based learning programs, we cannot achieve all we want for our students without your support at home. Effective learning and effective development of good personal skills does require effort outside of the classroom, and as parents, you play an important role in encouraging and expecting this.

We know that academic excellence without the skills, attitudes and personal qualities that are required for success in life, is not a satisfactory outcome of thirteen years of formal schooling.

This is why our motto well represents our approach to all we do:

Educated for excellence

Prepared for life

Angela Pollard

Principal