Principal’s blog – 10 August 2022

Dear parents, carers, students and staff

I’m very impressed with the number of students who have been selected in various ACT sports teams over recent weeks. We have been trying to acknowledge these students through the SFX social media platforms so if we have missed some names, please let the staff know. SFX students are very active in local sporting clubs so it is great to see them reaching representative honours.

The situation with sickness and staff shortages continues into Term 3 and the independent learning arrangements has meant that we have been able to keep the College open. I sincerely thank the staff for the way they each are managing the extra workload associated with ensuring classes are covered and the College remains operational.

We have had to ‘think outside the box’ in ensuring the students’ learning programs remain on track when we cannot find teachers to fill a vacancy. We recently employed undergraduate ICT university students to assist in providing expert knowledge in the Digital Technology program whilst a non-specialist teacher oversees the class. Although this is an added expense, it is necessary to ensure the curriculum is covered and SFX students benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the undergraduate student in the specialised field of ICT.

We have already begun the process of recruitment for 2023 and have secured a couple of teachers for next year. You can see from this article that the teaching profession is experiencing severe shortages and the race is on to try and find solutions.

A further innovation deserving recognition is our relationship with University of Canberra Faculty of Health. Occupational Therapists (OT) have been working with some of our students to assist with their learning. This has also been a very effective resource for those students requiring this type of support that has enhanced their participation, engagement and consequently their enjoyment in learning. Normally this specialised type of intervention is provided through a clinic but to have them on site where they can see the student in situ is of great benefit to the student and for the OT to suggest strategies to help.

The process for selection of the Senior Leadership Team for 2022 has begun for Year 11 students. This is a very important period as the students discern their willingness to undertake the responsibility as a College Captain or Vice-Captain, House Captain or Speciality Captains. Please keep the Year 11 students in your prayers as this time. Year 10 are soon to embark on the Year 11/12 subject selection process as will Year 8 begin to consider electives for Year 9/10. A busy time ahead for all.

Best wishes

Paul Carroll

Principal