Well, this week it has very much been back to business at Como.
Our new Year 7s have settled in well, our Year 12s are already planning their strategies for the year ahead, and students across the college are engaging in and enjoying school life. There is a strong sense of purpose across the campus as routines are established and expectations are set.
I was fortunate this week to drive a group of students to a Try-a-Trade activity focused on building and construction. What I witnessed was outstanding. The students worked collaboratively to build a free-standing pergola, completing all of the brickwork and carpentry themselves. The level of engagement, teamwork and pride in their work was impressive. It was a timely reminder that we don’t always see the very best of students in a traditional classroom setting. Passion and talent often shine brightest when students are working in areas that genuinely interest them. These experiences are invaluable in helping students identify strengths and possible future pathways. Check out the photos attached.
Speaking of outstanding successes, we are incredibly proud of our own Como Golf Academy student Kortni H., who achieved an extraordinary win at the Australasian PGA Tour Players Series held at Royal Fremantle Golf Club in early January. Trailing by two shots with one hole to play in the tournament’s junior championship, Kortni produced a genuine shot of the year moment, holing her second shot on the par-five 18th for an albatross. Her perfectly struck seven iron from 155 metres saw the Year 11 golf prodigy leapfrog into the lead with a single swing and walk off the green a winner in front of a stunned gallery. An incredible achievement. Congratulations, Kortni. Check out her awesome shot and her dad’s reaction here https://www.facebook.com/PGAofAustralia/videos/winning-in-style-kortni-houston-holes-out-on-the-18th-for-albatross-to-win-the-j/1906501863316423/
This week, many of you may have noticed some pruning of trees around the college. Please be assured, we are not chopping them down. We regularly engage qualified arborists to assess the health and safety of our trees, and some branches were required to be removed as they posed a potential risk to people and property. We are extremely conscious of the beauty of our grounds and the importance of our tree canopy. Even our new building program has tree retention as a key planning priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking ahead, this coming Monday 16 February, we are hoping to revive our P&C. As shared previously, the P&C was suspended due to insufficient volunteers to fill executive roles. The P&C is a vital avenue for parents and community members to engage with the school and support our students, and I strongly encourage anyone who is able to contribute to come along. The meeting will be held in the staffroom at 7:00pm, and all are very welcome.
We will also be celebrating and acknowledging our latest additions to the college’s illustrious 95 Club. The 95 Club acknowledges students who achieved an ATAR of 95 or above, which is an outstanding accomplishment. This recognition not only celebrates the students and their families for the support they provide, but also serves as inspiration for the many students in the audience who hope to follow in their footsteps. Hearing from these positive role models helps us maintain high expectations and reinforces the message that with effort, commitment and perseverance, anything is possible.
Finally, I want to take this opportunity to remind parents and students about the critical impact of attendance on student achievement. There is clear and compelling evidence that attendance matters. Every lesson, every day makes a difference. Engagement is key, and we need to work together to set the expectation that students attend school consistently. I recognise that family and cultural events are important, but so too is a child’s education, and I encourage families to think carefully before planning trips or absences during term time. AITSL’s Attendance Matters research provides some sobering insights, and I strongly encourage parents to take the time to read it:
https://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/research-evidence/spotlight/attendance-matters.pdf
Working together, we can make a significant difference. Should you have any questions, concerns or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Have a great weekend and come on WA.
Alen Kursar
Principal
