Improvement in school facilities is an enabler to all the great learning happening in our school. 10 years ago we began the BER building program, that gave us the classroom in the air, above the walkway and the Sports Centre.
The ICT room was pulled apart as we recognised that ICT was just another tool for learning and needed to be available in the classrooms. We slowly built up this availability and I was very proud of the fact that every child was able to leave our school with a device for remote learning, at the end of term 1, when we thought students might be learning from home for a term!
Knowing the importance of working in an inviting environment, we began a major refurbishment program. Every wall, inside and out, received a coat of paint, carpets were replaced and new furniture purchased that reflected the learning style of our school.
This holidays, we will be replacing nine of our air conditioners that have given a lifespan of 15 years. We had the artificial turf down for replacement before CV19 hit and this might have to wait until next year. The school is well placed to enter a new phase of development since we have paid off all our loans.
The appointment of an Architect, to develop a Master Plan, is imminent, and they will start a consultation phase with our community before the year ends.
Last week the Education Standards Board visited our school for our school’s first review in over 10 years. I am pleased to say that we had a verbal indication, that we passed with flying colours. Our visitors were very pleased with the documentation they received covering all areas of the school from teacher planning, to first aid, to Work Health Safety. They were very impressed when they conducted the tour and seeing our wonderful facilities and teaching programs in action.
Supporting me in all these adventures have been several Deputy Principals, Anthony Garton, Kelly Campbell and Lisa McCormick. Each has offered great support to me and shared their talents with our community. We have been lucky to have such talented people, as part of the leadership team of our school.
The Finance Committee has worked hard to make sure all these things were possible. Ten years ago, Rosary School was spending more than it was taking in, an unsustainable position for sure. Many difficult decisions were made in the early years. However, the result is all the developments above. As I depart, I am proud to say the school in a very healthy financial position today.
The School Board oversees the development of Rosary School and have been very supportive. Over ten years quite many parents have "taken a turn" at being on the School Board. The President of the Board is the Parish Priest and I thank Fathers Alex, Karl and Paul for the time they have devoted to our school.
The Parents and Friends and Sports Committee and at one stage, the Education Committee, have all contributed to the fabric of our School.
Thank you to all the parents that have served on these committees over the last ten years. All of the committees and parents have made major impacts on the lives, of those that make up the Rosary School Community.
In the end, it comes back to all the people, the students, the staff, the parents, that I will miss the most. You only have to ask anyone working in schools, how you become like an extended family.
Thank you all for having me play a part in the education of your children, it has been an honour!
My blessings on you all.
Damian Weeks
Principal (for one more day)