Principal's Log

It has been very good to feel, see and hear the great start to the school year. Young people have very quickly settled into purposeful learning and it has been great to feel their energy during class and at break times. We have also had a number of very worthwhile presentations from staff at the Year 11 and P-5 Information Evenings. We thank all parents and senior students for supporting these events. We also express our appreciation to Ms Sue Arahill, Miss Kim Stone, Mrs Natasha Purcell, Ms Nell Keen, Mr David Druery, Mrs Sue Zweck and the P-5 teachers for their leadership of these important opportunities for connection and learning.

Now the year has commenced it is a good time to ensure that family and student routines support time for fun, activity, family connection, home learning and rest. The importance of home reading for younger children was emphasised by Mrs Sue Zweck at the information evening. For older students it is important to have a well lit, quiet separate space as well as routine times for home learning. Discussing the learning goals young people have set and helping them to identify the small steps required to achieve them, builds commitment and opportunities for celebration. Where small steps are not realised, we use the language of ‘yet’ and identify what is good about where we are and what is the next small step that can be taken to improve our situation. This type of thinking builds a positive outlook, self-efficacy, resilience and persistence.

May God grant us the stillness to be truly present for others so that we might care first.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal