Principal's Welcome - Week 9, Term 2, 2022
Dear College families,
I write to you on the back of our most recent Open Day, once again inspired by the courage and quiet confidence demonstrated by our students as they took part. It’s not easy to speak to adults in a convincing way but our students do this so well when they talk about the College. What this tells me is that they genuinely love being a part of the College.
A few years ago, one parent asked me at an Open Day how we measure some of the things we seek to grow in students? She noted that whilst academics are relatively easy to measure, character development, progression of learning behaviours, the ability to relate well, optimism, and hope are very difficult to measure yet we claim to be seeking to grow these in our students. My response was that a young person’s sense of belonging to the College community, engagement with the College community, and desire to give back was a great way of gauging that these qualities are being developed. Confidence comes from knowing you belong, engagement demonstrates that you are relating well with others, and giving back indicates that you are optimistic and hopeful.
I see each of these qualities being demonstrated by so many of our students each day but most recently it was evident at Subject Selection evening as Year 8 and Year 10 students confidently discussed options for the future. These qualities are also evident in high participation rates in Hills Zone Sport and College Creative and Performing Arts activities and participation service opportunities such as our buddy program at South Creek School.
With the end of the semester fast approaching and the delivery of reports, I encourage you to let reports be the start of a much bigger conversation. Talk to your child about how they are engaging with Co-Curricular activities to develop their passions. Talk to them about how they are relating to others and, talk to them about their plans for serving those around them.
Felicity Marlow
Principal