As we near the end of Semester 1, it is wonderful to move around the school and see the exceptional work being done in the teaching and learning spaces. It is a credit to the teachers, school officers and students to see the positivity and collaboration in the learning environment, with all working together to improve and maximise learning opportunities.

Following this theme, I would like to recognise the wonderful work recently of two of our newest staff members and valued school officers. Firstly, Mr Patrick McCosker, a member of our school board and parent, joined our teaching staff this year to support the continuation of the Certificate II Engineering course over at the Trade Training centre. Pat has been a wonderful addition to our staff, bringing with him much expertise and passing on the real-world application of the metal fabrication skills he has developed through his career to the engineering class. The students have been so excited to work with and learn off someone as skilled and talented as Pat.

Secondly, our new groundsman Mitch Hurtz has been assisting in the Year 9 and 10 Tech studies classes this term. Mitch brings with him to the school 20 years experience as a qualified mechanic, and in our Year 9 Tech studies class the students have commenced an automotive unit to supplement the wood-based coffee table project. The students are excited to be pulling apart some ride on mowers, with the plan being to restore these to their former glory ready for auction or sale. The students will be looking at all aspects of this process, from stripping the engines down and rebuilding them to preparing the panel work and deck for re-painting. In the future, we hope to expand into restoration of some second-hand motorbikes. I thank Mitch for the awesome work he is doing and the knowledge and skills he is able to pass onto the students. As a teacher, it is fantastic to be able to stand back and see the enthusiasm and energy displayed by these students in this space. 

Finally, congratulations to Lisa McPherson, our exceptional Senior Chemistry and Junior Mathematics and Science teacher, who was awarded the Rotary Pride of Workmanship award recently at a dinner at the QCWT. Lisa is well deserving of this award, as it acknowledges the wonderful work that Lisa is doing in the teaching and learning in her classrooms. Well done!

God Bless

Matthew Brown
Deputy Principal