A new vision for our school

After a thoughtful and inclusive process, our school has officially adopted a new vision:

Empowering our community to be curious, creative, and confident learners.

This vision will guide us over the next 4-5 years as we continue to grow and thrive together.

The process of selecting this vision was a true community effort. We invited everyone—students, parents, teachers, and staff—to participate in the decision-making process. Many of our school community had their voice heard and the vote was incredibly close (approximately 55% of the votes picked this statement), which shows just how passionate our community is about the future of our school. The trait of compassion had 45% of the votes and we remain committed to nurturing this essential quality as we embrace our new vision.

Compassion can be seamlessly linked to the traits of being curious, creative, and confident learners in the following ways:

Curiosity extends beyond academic subjects to include a deep desire to learn about and connect with people, cultures, and communities. This empathetic curiosity leads to more meaningful and thoughtful exploration of the world.

Compassion fuels creativity by inspiring students to think about how their ideas and innovations can positively impact others.

Confidence is rooted in a strong sense of empathy and responsibility, empowering students to take action, advocate for others, and lead with kindness.

A strong vision is more than just words on a page; it is the heartbeat of our school community. It provides us with a shared sense of purpose and direction, ensuring that every decision we make aligns with our core values and long-term goals. A well-crafted vision serves as a compass, guiding us through challenges and inspiring us to reach new heights.

Our new vision speaks to the heart of what we want for our students and our entire community. By focusing on curiosity, creativity, and confidence, we are committing to nurturing these essential qualities in every learner. We believe that these traits will not only help our students succeed academically but will also prepare them to be thoughtful, innovative, and resilient members of society.

As we move forward, you can expect to see our vision reflected in every aspect of school life. Our curriculum, teaching methods, and extracurricular activities will all be designed to foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We will continue to create an environment where every student feels empowered to explore, innovate, and believe in themselves.

This vision is a promise to our community that we are dedicated to supporting every learner on their journey to becoming the best version of themselves. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and look forward to seeing our vision come to life in the months and years to come.

Year 8 Camp

I recently had the pleasure of joining our Year 8 students on their much-anticipated camp, and I must say, it was an experience filled with growth, courage, and unforgettable moments. Watching our students challenge themselves and step outside of their comfort zones was truly inspiring—and I found myself doing the same!

One of the most rewarding aspects of this camp was seeing our students push beyond what they thought they were capable of. Whether it was tackling the rock climbing wall, navigating the ropes course, or simply being away from home for a few days, every student faced their own personal challenges. What impressed me the most was their willingness to embrace these challenges with determination and a positive attitude.

It was a reminder that real growth happens when we step into the unknown and confront our fears. This experience not only strengthened the students’ resilience but also fostered a deeper sense of camaraderie among them. They learned to support one another, cheer each other on, and celebrate each other’s successes—no matter how big or small.

As your principal, I believe it’s important to lead by example, so I decided to take on a challenge of my own: the high swing. Now, let me be honest—I’ve always had a fear of heights. The thought of being suspended high above the ground was daunting, to say the least. But as I stood there, looking up at the swing, I realised that this was my opportunity to practice what I often encourage our students to do: face your fears and embrace the experience.

With a mix of nerves and determination, I took the plunge (literally!), and to my surprise, it was exhilarating! The initial fear gave way to an incredible sense of achievement, and I felt a renewed sense of confidence. More importantly, it was a powerful reminder that the growth we ask of our students is something we all need to embrace, no matter our age or role.

I’m incredibly proud of our Year 8 students for their courage and perseverance. They demonstrated the very essence of our school’s vision—being curious, creative, and confident learners who are unafraid to take on new challenges. And I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk this journey with them, learning and growing alongside them.
Thank you to all the staff (in particular the amazing Sarah Power), who made this camp possible. Your support is what makes experiences like these so meaningful for our students.

Minor Capital Works

As we continue our journey to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, I am pleased to share some exciting updates about upcoming minor capital works that will significantly enhance our school facilities. Over the next six months, we will embark on several projects aimed at supporting student learning and wellbeing.

Minor capital works play a crucial role in creating spaces that are conducive to learning, engagement, and overall wellbeing. While they may not always be as visible as major building projects, these upgrades are vital in ensuring that our school remains a vibrant, functional, and welcoming environment for all students and staff.

Investing in our school’s infrastructure is an investment in our students’ futures. By improving the spaces where they learn, collaborate, and grow, we are directly supporting their academic success and emotional development. Comfortable, modern, and well-designed environments contribute to a positive school culture and help students feel valued and motivated.

Upcoming Projects

1. Year 7/8 Courtyard Upgrades:

• The Year 7/8 courtyard is often where our students spend their breaks, socialising and recharging for their next lessons. We will be upgrading these spaces to make them more inviting and functional. With new seating, landscaping, and play areas, the courtyard will become a vibrant hub where students can relax, connect, and feel a strong sense of community.

2. New Classroom Furniture:

• Across the school, we will be introducing new classroom furniture that aligns with our new STEM Learning Centre furniture. This furniture is designed to be flexible, comfortable, and conducive to a range of learning styles. By creating adaptable learning spaces, we can better support collaborative projects, individual study, and everything in between, making our classrooms more dynamic and engaging.

3. Library Renovation:

• The library is the heart of our school’s intellectual life, and we are excited to give it a much-needed renovation. The new design will provide greater access to reading resources, comfortable study areas, and spaces for both quiet reading and group work. Our goal is to create a modern, welcoming environment where students can explore their interests and continue to develop a lifelong love of learning.

4. General Office Renovation:

• A renovation of the General Office will help us better serve our students, staff, and families. With a more efficient layout and updated facilities, we aim to improve our administrative operations, making it easier for everyone to access the support and information they need. This upgrade will also enhance the overall experience for visitors to our school.

These improvements are more than just physical changes; they are part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where every student can thrive. By investing in these minor capital works, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more supportive, and more innovative future for our school community.

I look forward to seeing these projects come to life and to the positive impact they will have on our students’ learning and wellbeing. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to build a school environment that truly empowers our students to be curious, creative, and confident learners.

Ian Van Schie
Principal