Secondary News

Dear Students, Parents, Caregivers, and Valued Community Members,

Welcome back! After a restful break spent with my extended family, who met my second daughter for the first time since her birth last year, I am thrilled to return from my Long Service Leave. I trust you all enjoyed a restorative holiday.

During my break, I reflected on the remarkable efforts of our staff—from our facilities and administrative teams to our education assistants and teachers. Their commitment to our catchphrase, Well Known, Well Loved, and Well Taught, shines through in their intentional interactions with your children. I would like to highlight a few standout contributions from the past month:

• Mr Paul Ritchie, our chaplain, led our Faith Week Assembly, meaningfully guiding our secondary community in celebrating Easter and reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice, death, burial, and resurrection.

• Mrs Heather Jefferies coordinated our ANZAC Day March and Service, a poignant event in Albany where the ANZAC story began, honouring human sacrifice in times of adversity.

• Mr Stuart Thomas, supported by our secondary team, successfully ran our Surf Lifesaving and Cross Country Carnivals. Congratulations to the Magpies for clinching the Cross Country House win. House and individual winners for both events will be announced at our Week 3 Assembly.

  
  

Thank you to all parents who attended to celebrate our students’ achievements. Your support makes a difference.

Sporting Success

Our students have shone brightly in recent sporting events, showcasing resilience and teamwork. The Surf Lifesaving and Cross Country Carnivals were a testament to their spirit. Our next event is the Interschool Cross Country Competition at Great Southern Grammar on Tuesday, 6th May. We will be announcing the winners of the Surf Lifesaving Carnival at our assembly next week, 12th May at 2pm. We look forward to cheering on our students as they continue to excel.

Staff Changes

I wish to acknowledge Mr Daniel Pitman and Mrs Bronwyn Pitman, both exceptional teachers, who have decided to reduce their teaching commitments, with Mr Pitman taking Long Service Leave in Term 2. Their dedication and care for our students are deeply valued. Mr Pitman will continue supporting Outdoor Education, HPE, Woodwork, and Pedal Prix, while Mrs Pitman remains active in our Distance Education program. Experienced staff are in place to ensure continuity, and I have shared specific details with relevant families via email. Please contact me with any questions.

Academic Focus: Exams

This term is academically significant. Our Year 12s face key assessments and exams in Weeks 4 and 5, while Year 11 ATAR students will sit their first semester exams in Week 6. To prepare our Year 7–10 students for senior years, they will also have an exam week in Week 6. Parents, if any wellbeing concerns arise during this period, please reach out to our Pastoral Care Teachers or Wellbeing Team. Your partnership is vital in supporting our students.

Strengthening Our Parent Partnership

Our students’ success relies on our collaboration with you, our parents and caregivers. I am encouraged by your increasing involvement and value our growing relationship. To ensure clarity in our mutual expectations, I encourage you to review our Community & Volunteers Code of Conduct, available via the Parent Portal. This outlines how we work together to foster a respectful and values-driven community, guided by our C.H.R.I.S.T. values: Courage, Humility, Respect, Initiative, Self-Control, and Trust.

National Walk Safely to School Day

Join us for National Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, 16th May, to promote health, road safety, and environmental benefits. Regular walking boosts physical and cognitive wellbeing. Interested students can meet at Collingwood Oval at 8:00am to walk to school as a group, with prizes for participants.

I am excited to see our students grow spiritually, academically, socially, and physically this term. Your ongoing support in reinforcing our values and expectations at home is invaluable. For key updates and resources, visit the Parent Portal.

Thank you for your partnership. Together, we are building a thriving community at ACC Southlands.