Dear Parents, Caregiver and Children,

Two Weekends ago I was fortunate enough to attend my High School's 60th Reunion. My rationale for attending was less about reconnecting with past friends and check in with how the last 18 years have been, but rather show some support to a school that served me very well and helped shaped me, my character and future aspirations. My secondary school is a place I hold very close to my heart.

While I was there enjoying some time with close friends I catch up with often, I noticed our conversations were very much about our time at school, the memories we held and experiences we had (the context more than likely help shaped this). When sharing back the evening to Amy (a process I am sometimes told is a bit long winded) it became obvious the memories were very much about people and the experiences we had. Not once did we talk about the outstanding Maths classes we were privy too, or the poetry we engaged in and learnt about in English. This of course makes me reflect around what is it that makes me feel so passionate about this school and simply, it was the relationships I built and the sense of care that the people supporting me showed (even if at times it seemed so unjust). 

As parents and educators, we must never loose sight of this. A key role for us is to absolutely help build and shape our little people as great learners. Our Curriculum will be a part of that and supporting children with their academic progress will always be a priority. Along side this we must not negate the importance of the relationships we build and opportunities we can offer as it is these things that create the wonderful memories and connectedness that school should be about. People... the collective 'we' are central to that. 

Over the next couple of weeks we have a couple of occasions that are deliberately designed to bring you into our school as well as extended family. Next week we have our Parent Information Evening (focused on building Learner Agency, what does this mean?) and in Week 9 we have our Student Led Conferences, as well as Grandparents Day. I look forward to touching base with you at either of these occasions. 

Warm Regards

Geoff