Principal's Reflection

Dear Families,

One of the most important supports to student and teacher successes are effective Teacher Assistants (TA's). Next week is National Teacher Assistance Appreciation Week and this gives us a great opportunity as a school community to thank all of our TA's. Gratitude and appreciation shouldn't just be extended in weeks such as this, however, next week provides us with an extra special opportunity. Ms McCormick writes further in our newsletter about all of the great work that our TA's do, however, I wanted to extend my appreciation for everything that they do in supporting our students, staff and families. Our TA's play an extremely integral role across the school to nurture and support our student's social, emotional, spritual, physical and academic development. Thank you to all of our TA's and to all TA's in education for all that you do. 

Last week I had the privilege of attending a Mastery School in Brisbane as well as the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Cairns. Mastery Schools Australia is a system of independent schools across Australia and New Zealand and was established by Michael Roberts. Michael also owns and facilitates COGLEARN who provide expert coaching and mentoring to our staff and staff across Catholic Education Tasmania. Mastery Schools have a strong commitment towards implementing rigorous evidence based teaching and learning practices and programs with high fidelity. 

The Australian Catholic Education Conference brings together educators, system leaders and clergy from across Australia. Internationally renowned educational experts such as Dr Simon Breakspear, Dr Steve Constantino and Professor Dylan Wiliam were several of the guest speakers who presented over the 3 day conference. The conference also provided a great chance to network with fellow educational leaders to continue to listen and learn as we pursue the ongoing journey of school improvement. When we go away to conferences we have new learnings. We also have reminders of good practices that inspire and re-energise. 

Some of the key takeaways and reminders from the week away:

• We are already doing some great things at SBW that we need to recognise and celebrate, however, there is always room for improvement
• Ensuring that we are listening to all, in particular our students to deeply understand
• The importance of proactive engagement and partnerships with our families and communities
• As a Catholic School, we are about developing the whole child
• Practical wellbeing strategies

When I meet with families at the point of enrolment, I always give the same message: 'We are not perfect as a school and we own that'. As we move through to the creation of a new strategic plan for the school, I look forward to working with all in our community as we strive to be a school that is continually improving and striving to have the most effective impact for the people we are here for- our students.

Thank you to the team at SBW, in particular Mrs Donnelly and Ms McCormick for their work in leading the school in my absence.

Thanks for your ongoing support,

Nic