Principal's Log

We have seen tremendous growth in our young people this term. The Junior and Middle College Parent Conferences provided an important opportunity for student learning to be celebrated and for young people to identify the next steps to deepen their understandings. The student, parent and teacher partnership is one of the important foundations for young people’s successful growth. We thank all of our teachers, parents and students for their thoughtful participation in these conferences over the last fortnight.

We congratulate our Australian College of Music, Speech and Drama students who were presented with Gold and Silver medals last weekend for their top performances in the state. Well done to Imogen Joppich, Indie-Mae Temenes, Grace Whitelaw, Sebastian Carter, Briarna Bell, Mya Boyall and Priya Miles. A particular mention must also go to Imogen Joppich, who was the first student from the Sunshine Coast to receive the Annabel Garrick Award for excellence in Grade V Speech and Drama. Congratulations to Mrs Lisa McKibben, our Speech and Drama Tutor, for supporting the learning of our young people so well.

On Wednesday our Year 4-6 students enjoyed their first SCISSA gala day. From all accounts it was a great success across all venues. Pacific students presented themselves particularly well in both their game play and sportsmanship. We thank Mr Darren Hooper for the tremendous work he has done in organising the new SCISSA format this term and to he and Mr Mark Hauser for their leadership of the rugby and basketball events respectively.

Families are reminded that the College’s Open Day will be held on Sunday 17^th April. A number of students will have roles on this day. Families are invited to come and learn more about the next phase of their child’s learning journey at the college and to invite friends or neighbours to attend. It is a great opportunity to see our new senior learning space and learn about the College’s contemporary approach to growing young people’s capacities across all dimensions of life to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At the end of this term we farewell Mrs Jacqui Layfield who will be moving with her family to Melbourne. Mrs Layfield has made a wonderful contribution to the growth of the College through her role as classroom teacher, Head of Wira House and in her acting senior leadership roles. Staff and students have benefitted from Mrs Layfield’s passion for learning, her creativity and care for people. We thank her for her very significant contribution and wish her and her family every blessing for the future. We congratulate Mrs Leigh Drogemuller who will be the Acting Head of Wira House for the remainder of the year. Ms Nell Keen will be taking Mrs Layfield’s senior English class and we are currently completing appointment processes for a part-time teacher librarian and physical education teacher to commence at the start of next term. 

Mrs Wendy Wescombe and Mrs Shelley Hogan will be taking maternity leave for the next six months. We wish both of these ladies and their families God’s richest blessings as they embark on a new phase of their lives. Mr Brian Ashley, who is currently teaching senior Mathematics at a school in China and has previously taught in Queensland, will be teaching Mrs Wescombe’s classes and Mrs Lara Stiller, who has had extensive early childhood experience, will be teaching Mrs Hogan’s Prep class. We look forward to welcoming Mr Gary Graves back from long service leave. We thank Mrs Leigh Drogemuller for her strong leadership of the Health and PE Department and Mr Darren Lawrence for his effective teaching of Physical Education classes in Mr Graves’ absence. 

We will also be welcoming back Mrs Sharon Dean from long service leave and thank Mrs Sharon Middleton for the care she provided as College Nurse. Both staff and students appreciated her warm professionalism. Our Uniform Shop Convenor, Mrs Donna Hollindale, will be moving to the Gold Coast with her family over the Easter break. Mrs Hollindale has been outstanding in her support of parents, students and staff in her role as Uniform Shop Convenor and in the leadership of the uniform committee. We thank Mrs Hollindale for many years of dedicated service to the College and wish her well for the future. Mrs Peta King will commence at the start of next term as the new Uniform Shop Convenor.

We are also looking forward to welcoming Pastor Tim Jarick and his family in the first week of next term. Pastor Jarick will commence with the College formally on the Friday of the first week.

Well done and thank you to all staff, students and parents for all you have given to this community over the term. Our prayer is that each of you experiences the deep rest that comes through God’s grace over the Easter period. Enjoy your break and may God keep you and your family in His care.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal