Message from the Principal

Student Growth

During these final weeks of the school year our teachers are busy in measuring, analysing and reporting on student growth and achievement. Whilst Presentation Day celebrates the achievements of Prize winners, it is important to acknowledge the growth and development of every person in the community. Many of our students from Prep to Year 11 have grown, developed, improved and succeeded, often in ways that will not be acknowledged by a certificate or a prize. This growth is important to celebrate, even informally. Schools don’t always get this right, only recognising the ‘superstars’. For a child of any age to conquer a difficult concept or enjoy that ‘Aha moment’, when they finally succeed at a difficult task is a wonderful moment. Every student has something to celebrate at the end of a year and that should be one of our commitments. It is something I want to continue to embed, helping students to reflect on gradual improvement, success, new skills and general progress. We want to celebrate growth in things like confidence, consistent effort, better engagement, the contribution made to others and a broad range of measures that extend past subject grades, ranks and marks. 

I love seeing growth in the excitement for learning that comes out of Junior School and the passion that students develop in a Secondary subject or pursuit that they thoroughly enjoy. It doesn’t even have to be in the classroom. Our recent Junior and Senior Music concerts saw many students perform at an admirable standard, showing increased confidence in demonstrating their skills in front of an appreciative audience. I have really appreciated the growth of confidence of our students in speaking in front of assemblies, articulating their thoughts and demonstrating their learning. To compare those in mid-Primary School to when they were in Kinder reminds me how much the students have grown.

Whilst our School has an enviable record of HSC achievement, what is sometimes lost is that Senior success is a result of cumulative growth based on consistent effort, a positive climate and a supportive environment. Feeling safe to do one’s best and finding reward in achievement is essential. A very clear message for students of all ages is that success at school is much more than being naturally ‘bright’ and that the further you go in education, the more that effort and commitment plays a part. Of course we want to inspire a love of learning, that lasts a lifetime and that students take into their post school careers. 

As parents receive reports, whether they relate to Prep, Year 3 or Year 9, please focus on the growth and improvement rather than just the comparative scores with other chidlren. Comment and respond in a manner that builds confidence, rewards the positives and encourages future commitment. Where improvement is required, we need to use our parent and teacher ‘super-powers’ to assist students to reflect on what is required to address, looking to inspire motivation and consistent effort.

Not every child will receive a school award at Presentation Day but there is something for every student that should be celebrated and applauded. 

May we continue to be a community in which the growth of all students is something we identify, acknowledge and promote. One of the key components of our Strategic Plan is ‘Growing Our People’ and I would like to reinforce that research everywhere indicates that intelligence is not fixed and in the right climate, with encouragement and persistent effort, improvement and success is not possible but guaranteed. Partnering together on this at report time and at the end of the year will support future success.

“Take hold of instruction, do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.” Proverbs 4:13

 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

David Smith

Principal