Principal's Log

Thank you to our parents, staff and students who have quickly and effectively responded to the changing circumstances of last week. Your support and capacity to smoothly move to new ways of being has meant that we are able to keep energy focused on maintaining a safe and healthy environment, quality learning, personal wellbeing, moving forward with strategic intents and hopefully finding the time to celebrate and have some fun.

It was exciting to be able to launch our new house Buran this week at our special P-12 assembly. There has been considerable positive energy as students and staff have embraced the opportunity to be pioneers. There will be ongoing conversations at the College over the next week. Staff, students and parents will be invited to complete a survey next Thursday 19th August to indicate whether they wish to become part of Buran House. Parents are asked to ensure they have read the email that was sent home on Tuesday morning for further details. We know that this will involve negotiation between children and parents within some families, and appreciate parent’s support, guidance, and wisdom through this process. A special thank you to Mr Damian Davis who did a great job in creating the promotional video to launch Buran.

Parents are encouraged to contribute to the future planning of the College by completing the comprehensive school review being conducted by educational consultants MMG. All families will have received an email on Friday 30th July from MMG with an invitation and link to participate. The opening of the survey has coincided with a very busy fortnight for families and so will be extended until the end of next week. This is the most comprehensive survey the College has ever conducted. Information collected will inform the shaping of the College’s strategic plan which is up for renewal next year.

An email has also been sent last night from our ITC Manager, Mr Steve Rattey, as a final opportunity for parents across Years 2-11 to give an indication of whether they anticipate purchasing a laptop through the College for use in 2022. Supply issues mean that we need to place an order next week to receive them early in 2022. Indications given by families at the moments are not binding but assist the College to have a reasonable approximation of the numbers of laptops required. Retail supply of laptops is also expected to be limited in the coming months. 

I thank Mrs Rae Hall, Head of Learning Middle College, and the Heads of Department for their leadership and time they gave to support our Year 8 students and families to assist them to make their subject selections for 2022. This is an exciting time when students begin to explore where their strengths and interests in learning reside, and we wish them well during this selection process.

As we live and work through change, may the words of the serenity prayer encourage us all.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal