STRONG LEADERS HAVE ADAPT-ABILITY

“Leaders learn and lead at the same time. They use the process of co-construction of thinking, at every opportunity, to promote teacher and leader collaborative decision-making that creates collective efficacy. Inspired by their own sense of efficacy, which is contagious, leaders empower others to do great work, all the while seeing the forest for the trees, providing the calm and stability, even in turbulent cultures of constant change. I call that ability to work through
change and adversity to build collective efficacy Adapt-ability.
Leadership for today and tomorrow demands adaptability”.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Lyn Sharratt,2019.

Dear Families, Students and Friends

As I write our newsletter for Week 4, I am sure you are like me in thinking, where has the past fortnight gone! Is it the busyness of family life, our ever growing list of errands to run, balancing work and home…? The truth is, it’s all of these things wrapped in one! Please never think you’re alone in trying to strike the correct balance. It poses the question; can we achieve it all? I think it comes down to being mindful of what’s important. Whatever it is that makes you happy – it’s achievable! I always operate from the disposition that life is to be lived… work hard; family first, and the rest takes care of itself. Certainly, if you love what you do (family/career), there’s an inner happiness (self) that supports you through life’s challenges – big or small! I don’t think there’s ever an end point in striking the balance. As parents, we are constantly prioritising and re-prioritising our time and attention, to where we see the greatest need. Please always know our College community is here to support you in every way in your sacred role as parents.

Leadership Coaching

Last week, our school leaders were involved in leadership coaching with Amanda Mackenzie; Director of Dragonfly Consulting and Coaching. As Principal, I am very passionate about mobilising teams and articulating a shared vision towards improvement. This begins with self-awareness. Amanda has been meeting with individual team members this semester, and the school executive to develop shared beliefs and understandings about effective leadership. I am committed to increasing leadership density and building capacity through collaboration at the College. Amanda will continue to be working with us in the coming months, and into next year.

Dragonfly Consulting and Coaching partners with individuals, teams and organisations to facilitate purposeful conversations; design effective change processes; design and deliver engaging professional learning; and coach for success.
                                                                                                                                                                                         http://www.dragonflyconsulting.com.au/

CLARITY – What Matters Most in Learning, Teaching & Leading – Lyn Sharratt
As I communicated last week, John O’Neill, Steve Knight, Anna McManus, Sandra Harris and I attended a leadership workshop in Canberra with Lyn Sharratt. Above is a quote from her book, Clarity. Her input was exceptional in refining the need for professionalism at every level. She speaks of relentless consistency towards shared responsibility and accountability to increase all students’ growth and achievement – our core business. Sharratt writes (2019),

Learning, teaching, and leading with consistent, persistent,
and insistent effort results in CLARITY of purpose and practice and
a developed sense of shared responsibility and accountability, which
matters MOST to raising the bar and closing the gaps for all students.

The abovementioned team intend to share the learning and insights gained from Sharratt’s research with all teachers. This was a highly valuable experience.

Enrolling Now!
Enrolment interviews are currently underway for our 2020 Year 7 students. I have had the pleasure of meeting with a number of families already. As applications are being processed, interviews are being scheduled. I encourage families to lodge applications as soon as possible. To date, approximately 100 enrolment packages have been collected from the College for students commencing in Year 7 next year.

If you have any questions at all regarding the enrolment process, please contact Nadine Cooper at the College on 44715 600. Also, if you know of family or friends who were unable to attend the recent Parent Information evening, please let them know that the enrolment period has commenced. Please encourage them to contact the College at their earliest convenience.

The Year 7 2020 Orientation Day will be held on Friday 29 November. Parents are invited to join our Executive staff and Senior Leadership Team for morning tea and tours of the College. These tours will include the opportunity to view our new classrooms which are due to open in Term 3.

Community Council Open Meeting – All Parents Welcome!
5 June 2019

Minimum Standards Test – Year 10
This week, Year 10 students are undertaking the Minimum Standard online test to determine their eligibility to sit the Higher School Certificate (HSC). Students in Years 10 to 12 may demonstrate the HSC minimum standard by achieving Level 3 or above in the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) minimum standard online reading, writing and numeracy tests. If a student does not meet the minimum standard in their first attempt, NESA allows schools to enter students a maximum of twice a year to sit for each minimum standard online test. Students currently in Year 10 are having their first opportunity to sit the tests this week. The format is as follows:  
                  

Tuesday 21 May                             - Practice Test

Wednesday 22 May                       - Reading (45 multiple choice questions)

Thursday 23 May                           - Numeracy (45 multiple choice questions)

Friday 24 May                                - Writing (500 Word Response)

If you are interested in reading more about the Minimum Standards Test and HSC readiness, click on the link:  http://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/hsc-minimum-standard/online-tests/what-to-expect-in-the-tests/sample-test-questions

Siloam
This afternoon I will be travelling to Galong for a Principals’ meeting, known as Siloam. This is mandatory leadership training for Principals and is held each term. There is also input at these sessions for spiritual growth, that allows for reflection and prayer. Principals gather to discuss current educational issues and workshop strategic priorities with Catholic Education leaders. It is always an enjoyable experience.

I am disappointed that I can’t be present at the Doof tonight. I’m never one to shy away from a fun night! Special thanks to Mr Tim Hodges for his leadership and preparation, and to the staff supporting with supervision this evening. I’m sure a great night will be enjoyed by all. Today the College has been flooded by ‘Footy Colours’ and a hive of activity as we hosted Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Thanks to all involved.

Mr John O’Neill will be Acting Principal in my absence Thursday afternoon and Friday.

With appreciation and encouragement to you.

Jacqui Heffernan
Principal