Principal's Report

Term 1 2023 has been an exceptionally busy one. This term has seen us battle some very complex issues around staffing shortages and planning ways to ensure that students continue with their learning with as little disruption as possible. I am in awe of how quickly our staff pull together to support each other and ensure all our students have continuity of learning even under the most challenging circumstances. Everyone is operating above their expected capacity to enable this to happen. Historically, our staff always come together to deal with complex situations with a ‘can do’ attitude.

I would also like to acknowledge the great sense of responsibility and accountability that many of our parents and carers have shown in understanding that when we work together, we can achieve better things for our students. We acknowledge that we don’t always deliver good news but when we respectfully work together positive outcomes almost always result. Thank you all for your diligence and strong sense of community. The overwhelmingly positive feedback is greatly appreciated.

I must also commend the incredible improvements that the majority of our students have made with their attendance and uniform. Most of our students take charge of their learning each and every day by engaging respectfully with their peers and our staff. When the whole school community comes together everything works better! Disrespect will not be tolerated in any form.

Despite the difficulties and complications that staffing shortages can bring, our staff have still managed to run a significant number of extra-curricular programs across the school. These programs allow students to believe in and grow their potential socially, emotionally, academically, physically and creatively. Our success in identifying and growing potential in our students has been recognised beyond our school and throughout the Department of Education. Recognising potential and running programs to grow it are all part of educating the whole child.

This term we have also increased the number recess and lunch activities available to students.

We have:

The usual sports of football, soccer, basketball and handball.
Our 3 new volleyball courts are up and running.
Our outdoor table tennis tables are proving extremely popular.
There are also games, music, art and other clubs and activities indoors.
The library is now purely reserved for quiet reading and the completion of classwork, assessments and assignments only. Numbers are limited to those who can demonstrate that they understand the library expectations.

Coming soon:

Weights and nutrition program.
Chess Club, including ‘Big Chess’ in the playground.

This term we moved to ban mobile phones from our school with the introduction of YONDR pouches. Students currently have two choices:

Locking phones in their YONDR pouch. This is NOT optional if a phone is at school.
Leaving it at home.
Phones and earbuds/headphones are not to be seen or heard.
If students choose to not comply, parents/carers will be asked to ensure that their child’s mobile phone is no longer brought to school.
If students choose not to comply respectfully and not follow a teacher instruction, consequences outlined in the Department of Educations Behaviour Policy will result.

It must also be noted that the NSW government will ban all mobile phones from secondary (high) schools as of Term 4 2023.

Can I please remind all students, parents and carers:

Arrive at school on time. School starts for all students at 8.50am. There is a very strong expectation around attendance. Students are expected, by law to attend 90% or more of the time. Students who are constantly late may be asked to make up the time. Years 11 and 12 will not be permitted to leave at 12pm on Mondays. Years 7-10 will not be permitted to leave at 2.05pm on Mondays.
Be in uniform. If you come to school out of uniform you will be asked to get changed into uniform we provide for the day.
Have all equipment necessary for learning every day. This is a huge focus as it directly impacts learning.
Be on time for and attend all lessons. Lateness to school, classes and truancy will not be tolerated.
Have an inclusive mindset. Treat everyone equally, fairly and with kindness.
Be respectful always, in every circumstance. Make the time to say hello, ask how people are and always follow instructions respectfully.
Be safe on the playground and in the classroom. Safety first in everything you do.
Strive for excellence in all that you do. Do your absolute best always and then challenge yourself to do better.
Proudly represent the school.
Respect all property.

Finally, I will be taking some leave next term to go overseas on my first ever ‘big’ trip. Mrs Gouganovski will be relieving as principal in my absence.

I wish you all a wonderfully happy, safe and enjoyable holiday and will see you all for a little bit next term.

Ms O Bartolillo

Principal