Newsroom

As Term 4, and indeed 2024, draws to a close, it is the right time reflect on a number of things that we have achieved and witnessed this year.

At the start of the year, we established our theme for 2024 as ‘Striving for Excellence’ and, understanding that the critical factor in being successful in any undertaking is effort, used the words from Chronicles 2 15:7 as our inspiration: ‘But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded’.

In December, what we can know for sure is that our hard work as a community has been successful.

But how is success measured in a school? How do we know when we are achieving excellence? There are many important metrics, and outcomes in teaching and learning, our core business, are of course an important indicator and especially relevant at this time of year. Earlier in 2024, we celebrated the best NAPLAN results in the College’s history, and today, as you can see reflected in the attached document ‘2024 Year 12 Academic Achievements,’ we are celebrating more excellence in this space, by achieving:

• 100% SACE completion for the third year in a row
• 6 Merits for 100% scores in subjects
• A Median ATAR of 69.4, a 20% increase in the Median ATAR since 2021
• 17% of students achieving an ATAR of over 90
• ATARs of 98.45 and 98.05 for our Dux and Proxime Accessit, the second and third highest ATARs ever recorded at SCC
• 38 students who achieved a Cert. II or Cert. III

These are outcomes to be extremely proud of, and a clear indication that we are heading in the right direction – striving for excellence in action.

Learning outcomes are however only one way for a school to measure success. Equally important metrics are the ways that 2024 has seen a substantial upgrades in our buildings and infrastructure, the expansion of our Student Life program, and the launch of a Strategic Plan as a road map to our future improvement.

Underpinning all of this, and certainly the most important development of 2024, has been the implementation of our behaviour curriculum and our insistence on kindness, love and respect. No person can be at their best in their learning, in their wellbeing or in their relationships building, if they do not feel happy, safe and connected. This year, we have insisted on high standards and had every confidence in the ability of our students to meet them. This confidence was proven to be entirely warranted, and it is reflected in all of the ways in which we can measure student happiness and wellbeing – our student satisfaction surveys returned very positive results, school attendance is strong and improving, and because students clearly know that they are here to learn and work hard, the aforementioned learning outcomes are improving. I am also delighted to report that we are now witnessing a growth in enrolments reflective of the growing demand in the community for an SCC education, and we have many year groups that in 2025 will be full.

All indicators that we are progressing well in our journey to excellence.

The results are also a reflection of our excellent teaching and support staff, without whom progress would not be possible. Each of these students have benefited from the expertise and hard work of our staff over many years, and it is an opportune time for me to thank them on behalf of the whole community. Especially noteworthy are those staff who are leaving us at the end of 2024 to seek professional challenges elsewhere. Amongst them are some long-standing staff, Shane Dowling, Kylie Brown, Deirdre Walters, James Walters and Eugenia Stopyra, who have given much to the College over the years. We thank them and wish them well.

I would also like to take an opportunity to thank the College Council who have provided great advice and steerage to myself and the College this year. Their investment in the best experiences and outcomes for our community, all in a volunteer capacity, have been integral to our success.

Schools work most effectively when it is a team effort and partnerships are created. I thank you, parents, friends, family members and community, for your engagement and efforts in ensuring that we achieve our goals. 2024 has been a year to be proud of.

I wish all of our community a safe, happy and relaxing Christmas.

God bless.

Mr Darren Pitt | Principal