As we begin Term 2, it is great to welcome you back to school. I hope that you have enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break and are ready to dive back into learning.

Whilst the end of the semester might seem to be a long way off, this term will no doubt fly past like any other busy term.  This can be a distraction to our core business of learning.  I encourage all families and the young people of our community especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each and every student is given the best opportunity to make the most of their talents.

A very important element in helping the students to achieve is what we expect of them. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each student can achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it.  The result will be improved student learning.

Having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning is very complex but high expectations, from the adults in the students lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning goals.

As adults, whatever we want our young people to be, we have to demonstrate it to them and be successful role models for them, so they can see the benefits of what it is we are leading them to be. If we abdicate leadership, we deprive our young people of guidance and create opportunities for perhaps less desirable influences to enter their lives; all the more reason for us to be upfront leaders and role models.

If we are adults who lead, we can create opportunities for our young people to thrive. We should never be apologetic about demanding high standards. Our students need us to set standards and clearly define boundaries where there is freedom for them to make positive choices about their intended achievements and their social responsibilities. We assume leadership in this area, because we are more experienced, knowledgeable and wise. To be successful in this area, we need to be relaxed, warm and accepting whilst still being firm and insistent.

Mr Rodney Spain

Assistant Principal Senior Years