Welcome back to school and what has been a very different start to the school term. No-one could have predicted the dramatic changes that have occurred across the world, our country and community since the start of the year.  We all knew that 2020 was going to be a memorable year for our new school but I don't think anyone predicted the current situation.   

As I reflect on the recent changes and challenges facing our school and community  it has been comforting to remember that some things have not changed.   Our school vision and values have not changed.  We are still committed to keeping the individual at the heart of our decision making.  We are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities for growth through innovative practices.  We collaboratively strive to create productive citizens, ethical leaders and positive contributors to our community, country and global society.   Our vision will not change, despite the challenges we may face.  I still believe that our school motto is as applicable today as it was yesterday, that we can "Achieve Excellence Together".  In times of significant change and challenge I find reassurance in remembering the constants in life.   For you it may be your faith, your family,  your friends or any number of experiences or memorable moments.  I would encourage you, like myself, to recall these constants as we face these difficulties together.

On Wednesday this week our school conducted its first ANZAC service at the front of our school.  While we were unable to invite parents, guests and have all students in attendance due to current restrictions, we were pleased to conduct a Facebook live service and commemorate this significant event.  As part of our ANZAC service we planted a Lone Pine tree in the front school garden, near the flagpoles in recognition of this significant event.  Plans are also underway to further develop the front of the school space to create a school/community ANZAC Place for future events and ceremonies.   Details of the ANZAC Place development will be available in the near future for school and community feedback. 

This week I had the pleasure of welcoming two new staff to our school, Mrs Lisa Henderson (Guidance Officer) and Mrs Lorinda Stiles (Head of Department - Creative Industries).  At the end of last term, Mr Gordon Collis completed his contract with the school as acting HOD Creative Industries and Lorinda Stiles replaced him as the acting HOD until the end of 2020.  We wish Mr Collis all the best as he returns to Yeronga SHS.  

In other news, WATPAC is nearing completion of all building works for the secondary school and it is anticipated that we will have full use of the sports hall, footpaths, bike racks and car parks at the end of April.   Plans are underway, once works are complete and COVID restrictions eased, to hold an opening ceremony for the Sports Hall.  Further details will be provided on this milestone event as the year progresses.  As the final works for our school's Stage 1 buildings nears completion, plans are already underway for the tender and construction of Stage 2 building works in 2021.  Over the past month I have been working with senior departmental staff to finalise the design of the Stage 2 works which will almost double the building footprint of our school.  It is hoped these works will commence in 2021 and take approximately 12 months to complete.  

As we commence what is a very different start to the school term, I realise that for those parents and staff supervising student learning at home and school, this has not been easy.  Our staff have had to change the way they prepare and present work for online learning and parents have had to juggle students learning and internet issues  combined with work and family responsibilities.  To both my staff and school families I would like to say thank you.   Thank you for your support, patience and understanding in these difficult times.  I, like you, look forward to the return of all students to school and life returning to normal again, whatever that may look like in the future.