As mentioned last week the interviews for the appointment of our new Deputy Principal were held last Monday. This task was quite difficult for the panel given that the quality of all applicants was outstanding. However, it gives me great pleasure to announce the successful candidate was Mr Darryl Ball. Mr Ball is currently the Head Teacher – Mathematics and Technology at Queanbeyan High School and will join us at the beginning of next term. I would like to use this opportunity to also acknowledge the exceptional contributions to our school of Mr Jason Nottingham who has been undertaking the Deputy Principal role for the past five terms. Mr Nottingham has been an amazing asset for our school in his time here and will leave many lasting changes to our practices thanks to his hard work and initiative. On behalf of the school I wish him well on his return to Cowra High School and in his future endeavours.
Last Tuesday’s parent-teacher night was an astounding success with an exceptional number of parents taking the opportunity to speak with the teachers about their child’s progress. The feedback on the return to having students responsible for booking appointments was quite positive with the majority of those in attendance happy with the change, although some did express their concern about an increase in waiting time. We will consider before the next parent-teacher night. Thank you to everyone, parents and students, who attended.
Next week we will again be celebrating another big occasion – Shakespeare’s birthday. I would like to thank the English faculty and Librarian, Mrs Reynolds, for their enthusiasm and organisation of this event. All students are encouraged to come dressed in theme and to join in on the fun.
Over the next two weeks the school will be developing a new timetable for implementation next term. The need for this new timetable is primarily due to a change in staffing and the introduction of a new program to support Year 8 students with the development of their literacy, numeracy and higher order thinking skills. Students will be issued with their new timetable on day one of next term.
Term one finishes on Friday 11 April and students recommence Term two on Tuesday 29 April.
Neryle Smurthwaite
Principal