Principal's Log

It was a delight to be part of the service at St Mark’s Lutheran Church last Sunday as our Year 9 and 12 House Wira Captains presented a cross that the Middle and Senior College Wira students had created, designed and painted. The bright light shining in the centre of the cross stands as a strong reminder of the hope that God’s love and grace has brought and continues to bring into our world. The morning provided an important time of intergenerational connection. We thank Wira House Captains, Head of House Mr Josh Cummins and Mrs Linda Sydes for leading this time of connection and hope sharing.

As our first Learning Hub for the year, staff, students and parents valued the cyber safety messages presented by cyber safety expert Mr Brett Lee. Brett presented simple but powerful messages to our community to assist people of all ages to engage online in a safe and respectful way. We will provide a summary of his 5 key points for staff, students and parents on NAV along with links to the eSafety Commission and other useful resources. Parents also enjoyed the opportunity to connect with each other over tasty canapes and beverages prepared by our Hospitality staff prior to the evening presentation. We thank Mr Brett Lee for his informative presentation, Ms Leigh Finter and Mr Brett Kersnovske for their leadership of the event, and Mr Steve Rattey, our hospitality team, grounds personnel and staff, students, and parents for their support of this important learning opportunity.

We congratulate our Pacific, Years 4-6 Water Polo Team 2 on winning the final in their division of the Sunshine Coast Primary School Water Polo Competition on Monday night. Students displayed exceptional skill and teamwork to secure the gold medal. We thank Coach, Mr Scott Crompton, Head of Junior Sport, Mr Darren Hooper and parents for supporting the students throughout the competition.

Yesterday afternoon we welcomed our Year 5 cohort back from their Outdoor Education Program where they undertook many activities which provided opportunity for growth in their understanding of themselves, their peers and the natural world. We thank Mr Paul Brace, Head of Outdoor Education, for planning and coordinating this experience and Mr Damian Davis, Mr Scott Crompton, Mrs Kim Kiernan, Mrs Lu Pollard, Mrs Sharon Middleton, Miss Rebekah Horsey, Mr Rob Belchamber, Mr Jacob Macgregor-Graham and Miss Zoe Brewer who attended the program and allowed the students to be involved in such a rich learning opportunity.

There was an air of purposeful learning as Senior students, their parents and teachers engaged in the student, parent and teacher conferences on Wednesday night. Review and reflection of the learning that had occurred through Term 1 led to discussion of ways to improve learning into the future. We thank our students, staff and parents for their thoughtful engagement with this valuable opportunity.

At the end of the term, we farewell and thank Middle and Senior College, Mathematics and Science Teacher, Mr Brian Thomas for his capable support of the learning of our students. We thank Mr Liam Jacka, Mrs Colleen Beattie and Mrs Marnie Whittaker who have very capably fulfilled the respective roles of Acting Head of Sport, Acting Head of Vocational Education and Training and Acting Head of Industrial Technology and Design. We also wish Mr Steve Healy all the best as he takes long service leave from the start of Term 2.

We look forward to welcoming Head of Industrial Technology and Design and Head of Vocational Education and Training Mr Ian Learoyd and Head of Sport Mr Cameron West-McInnes back from leave at the start of next term.

We thank all staff, parents and students for their significant contribution to the growth of our young people and community throughout Term 1. May God let the light shine brightly into our lives over the Easter period. We trust that all members of our community experience times of rejuvenation through the change of rhythm that school holidays provide.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal