Principal’s blog – 23 September 2022

Dear parents, students and staff

I think it would be fair to say there would be few people in the world that would not admire the Queen’s leadership. Her death brings to end a most significant reign and words such as integrity, service, humble, courage and many other praised virtues have been displayed in a long public life. Once the mourning has passed there will be other voices rising in all sorts of ways which may disrupt the narrative or the future. Let’s pray for peace and for leaders of the world to continue to work towards the common good and the best for all humanity.

It was good to see the parents who were able to make it to the Parent-Teacher interviews recently.  The triangular relationship between home, school and the student is the recipe for effective outcomes and events like these provide the glue to maintain the connection. Further opportunity to connect home and school was also evident in the Year 10 into Year 11 subject selection conferences. The students were very mature and honest in their plans for the future and were able to make wise choices in relation to subject electives.

The Year 11 students were invited to submit their letters of application for the senior leadership roles in 2023 for Captain, Vice-captain, House captain and Speciality captain.  It was heart-warming to read the students’ applications and how they articulated their willingness to make a positive contribution to the community that has served them well. We are blessed to have had so many applications and also sad that not everyone will be able to take on a role. I also hope they see leadership as an activity, rather than a position and that they can still contribute in ways that demonstrate commitment and service to the College community.

Recently there was an article in the RiotAct online media portal involving the College. I responded to the general nature of the enquiry without any context provided by the journalist. I have not responded further nor engaged in the online forum as I must protect the privacy of our students, staff and parents. There are a range of legislative Acts that I could potentially breach by discussing matters regarding students in an online forum. I trust you understand my situation. The wellbeing and pastoral care of our staff and students are always our priority and SFX is well known for being a welcoming and inclusive school.

Best wishes for the school holidays and I hope you are able to enjoy some quality time together with loved ones.

Paul Carroll

Principal