Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children,

They say reflection doubles achievement. And as we enter this part of the year where we look to celebrate the years successes and achievement of our childrens' learning, we must also take the time to reflect on the year that has been and how we as a team have measured up against our own strategic goals.  

Our 6C's are consistently at the core of these reflections, how are we continuing to nurture and role model these dispositions within our school, and wider community, so they are explicit and obvious for all. Our 6C's are designed to dovetail and I would like to think that at any given time you would see our students and staff using multiple elements that sit within each of them. However, this year when I place a closer lens over them I take pride in the way that as a team we have contributed to the betterment of others.

As a school we placed both emotional and physical energy on being responsive and supportive to ensure that as we are thrown around in the daily washing machine of this Global Pandemic we have consistently placed our children and you, our community first. Asking the question, what does our community need from us and how can we continue to support childrens' their learning and overall well being? 

This was kindly mentioned in our final PTA meeting last night, where appreciation was shown towards us with having a mindset of 'how can we' versus 'we can't because...' Excuses are easy to find and Covid19 has provided us a perfect one that I often here out in the 'real world'. Simply there can always be an excuse if you want to find one. I am grateful to be able to partner a group of people that are so very generous with their time and energy and willingness to pursue positive outcomes for children. In doing so, we can accept that it is not all one way, as being generous and giving actually fills our own bucket too. 

The 'lifeguard hack' blog post from Seth Godin below I feel sums it up quite nicely.

The lifeguard hack

Who am I to walk up to someone at a party and introduce myself?

Who are you to start a new project?

Who are they to give a talk on the main stage?

Don’t raise your hand–someone else might have a better question. Don’t ship that work, it’s not ready…

There are endless excuses, comparisons and reasons to hold back.

Unless…

Unless you’re on lifeguard duty and someone is drowning. In that situation, even if you’re not the best lifeguard in the world, and even if the water isn’t the perfect temperature, and even if you don’t quite remember how to do the latest version of the cross-chest carry… you jump in the water.

Because it’s not for you. It’s for them.

Generosity unlocks doors inside of us.

Finally, I would like to pass on my personal thanks to you as a wider community for your support of me as a Principal over the past 8 Years. Amy, Flynn, Harry and my own sense of belonging is entrenched in this place and will be for many years to come. I wish you all a wonderful summer break and festive season.

Warmest Regards

Geoff