Welcome to Term 3.
This year, the College has made exceptional progress in a number of key areas. The new building on the Middle School campus will have a significant impact to how we deliver our teaching and learning program to students. We hope to have handover at the end of this term with furniture delivered during Term 4. Classes in the new building will formally begin in Term 1, 2024. The new Lake Art Theatre (formally the Lecture Theatre) had new seating and carpet installed during the July break. This has already made a difference to how we experience the space. We are currently working with our architects to design new classrooms for our Senior and Junior students and undertaking a process to cost these two future projects.
This year we have also focussed on increasing the extra-curricular experience for our students. I am delighted that over 450 students across the College are currently participating in sports, clubs and activities before and after school. We want our students to have a healthy attitude towards participation, being active and connecting with others. It has been a privilege to witness the achievements of our students at both the weekly Junior and Middle Senior School Assemblies, where students are recognised for their academic and co-curricular efforts.
Behind all the work we do at the College is the important role that teachers and staff have in our community. They are the backbone of our College, dedicating their time, energy, and expertise to guide our students towards success. They possess a wealth of knowledge and invaluable skills that they willingly share with our children day in and day out. They inspire, ignite curiosity and empower our students to reach their potential.
Teachers dedicate themselves to creating an inclusive and supporting learning environment. They strive to understand each child’s strengths, challenges and passions. They are adept at fostering a sense of belonging and instilling those qualities of empathy, resilience and respect for others. At times they are mentors and confidants who lend a listening ear, offer guidance and believe in every child. They encourage our students to overcome obstacles, embrace mistakes and develop a love for lifelong learning.
The teaching profession is not without its challenges. Teachers are grappling with ever-changing classrooms, diverse student populations and the weight of societal expectations. We currently face a shortage of teachers in Australia and St Columba College is not isolated.
It is crucial that families recognise the importance of our partnership with our teachers. I call on all families to actively support and encourage their efforts. We can do this by fostering open lines of communication, attending Learning Progress Meetings and working hand-in-hand with teachers to support your child’s learning.
Respect for teachers is not bound by the classroom walls. We must teach our students the value of respecting their educators, appreciating their hard work and acknowledging the profound impact they have on their lives. By doing so, we foster in our school - and in the wider community - the value of education and a deep respect for the role that teachers play in shaping the lives of our students; now and in the future.
We look forward to a happy and productive term.
Ms Leanne Carr
Principal
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