From the Principal
As we come to the end of the semester, I want to sincerely thank all parents and carers for your incredible support during what has been an unprecedented time for us all. I have greatly appreciated the constructive and valuable feedback we received throughout, along with words of support and encouragement to our staff at just the right time. There have naturally been a range of perspectives and differing viewpoints to consider; however, what has impressed me most is the trust that has been evident, with the knowledge that we will always make decisions in the best interest of all members of our school community.
In my individual meetings with staff I am often asked how I am finding the School. My consistent response has been that our strength of community has shone through. I continue to be impressed by the positive and natural interactions between the students and the affection that they and the staff have for our School. This was clearly evident as we returned to On-Campus Learning this term and the opening of the New Learning Hub has certainly had an additional positive impact.
We are looking forward to next term when competitive sporting fixtures will recommence for both the Secondary School ISA and Junior School IPSHA programs. Both organisations are working with schools on detailed risk management plans, including when spectators will be able to attend fixtures, in what numbers and the relevant procedures.
Our Critical Incident Management Team will be reviewing our Covid-19 risk management plan and procedures during the holiday period and communication will be sent to all families prior to the start of Term 3, outlining any changes to our practices. If we continue to experience the current very low levels of community transmission in NSW, this will give us further confidence in moving forward.
In wonderful recognition of the Cultures of Thinking practices that are embedded in the School through our Redlands Learning Platform, Music teacher Mrs Amy Richardson and Redlands feature in the new publication, The Power of Making Thinking Visible: Practices to Engage and Empower all Learners by Ron Ritchhart and Mark Church. In the book Amy outlines how she used the What? So What? Now What? Thinking Routine with her Year 11 Music class. The publication from the Harvard Project Zero program has an international audience and our inclusion in the book will contribute to the reputational profile of the School at a local and international level.
In Mr Corcoran’s Note Day article this week, you will find information regarding changes to the Leadership Model for our Year 12 2021 cohort. The model to be trialled from Term 4 this year, retains key traditional leadership positions whilst providing more opportunities for students and empowering the entire cohort. The changes have been informed by key community feedback, including past Year 12 Exit Surveys.
During the upcoming break there will be a series of workshops running for our Year 12 HSC and IB students and I thank our staff for their commitment in providing this additional support for our students during what has been a challenging year for them. They will no doubt benefit from this extra assistance as they look ahead to trial examinations in Week 3 and 4 of next term.
I trust that you will all find some time to be together with family and friends this holiday break, and that it may be a time of recharge, refreshment and renewal.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Year 4 students collaborating in their Visual Arts class, creating a 3D wire sculpture from a 2D design.