Our Lady of the Southern Cross College, Dalby
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2 Nicholson Street
Dalby QLD 4405, Australia
Subscribe: https://oloscdalby.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: dalby@twb.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 07 4672 4111
Fax: 07 4672 4112

Principal's Pen

Leadership Forum

Last week I was privileged to be a part of the Diocesan Leadership Forum where the Principals and executive leadership team gathered to not only learn, though to also contribute to the future direction of the Diocese.  The keynote presentation by Dr Pat Coughlan, TCS Executive Director, focused on “Schools That Deliver” and this theme continued throughout the week.  There were some key deliverables from Dr Pat’s presentation that really caught my attention.  These served both as a great reflection point and surety regarding the direction our College is setting for the students of OLSCC as they succeed into the future.

Firstly, the theme of “wanderers vs travellers” emerged where we contrasted the mindsets of these and compared them with the leadership behaviours that are associated.  We discussed the importance of knowing our destination and purpose, mapping that plan specifically through our strategic plan, travelling together as a community on a common goal, setting clear expectations, being well-organised, and delivering what was promised.  It is through these behaviours where we see “travelling” schools deliver greater education for learners, and I am proud to note that we are certainly a travelling school with clear objectives that relate to improved student learning. 

Secondly, was a long term research results regarding the 10 Most Important Factors for parents regarding their child’s education. This longitudinal study from 2006-2018 collates information from parents to determine what parents believe to be the most important factors in schools.  The 4 most important factors were presented as being:

  1. An orderly and well organised environment
  2. School knows my child as a person and a learner
  3.  The high quality of teachers
  4. Preparation of my child to fulfil their potential in later life

Whilst this feedback varies across every community depending on local priorities, issues and opportunities, it certainly aligns remarkably well with both the feedback of the community through the review process in 2019, feedback in the RADII surveys, the College Draft Strategic Plan and the Annual Action Plan of the College.

Essentially, it was summarised that schools that deliver know why, when, how and by whom their goals will be delivered.  This is why staff work more effectively in schools that deliver, and parents take note of this.  A critical note is that what schools deliver must be aligned carefully between the needs of the local community, the needs of the students, and the direction of the educational authority through which the school operates.  Our Lady of the Southern Cross College is currently rigorously engaged in the journey of continual renewal, and our work aligns considerably with all mentioned above.

This year, we focus on ECSI (Enhancing Catholic School Identity) at OLSCC.  Please take the time to read a little more about the process further in the newsletter and have your say in the development of the Catholic identity of OLSCC.  The survey takes around 30-45 minutes and the input of all staff, students and parents will mean that our direction will be best directed toward our communities preferred position. Over the 4 year period of our Strategic Plan, this is one of the key elements that we will be delivering for OLSCC.

Pete Cuskelly

Principal