Kaya Folks
Another busy and rewarding week at Como Secondary College has come to an end, and as I reflect on the past few days, one of the highlights has undoubtedly been Music Camp.
Our students and staff had a fantastic opportunity to spend time together away from the usual routines of school life, building relationships, developing trust, playing loud music, and having plenty of fun along the way. These experiences matter. They strengthen connections between students, help develop confidence and teamwork, and create the sense of belonging that sits at the heart of a strong school community. Thank you to our music staff, support staff and families who helped make the camp such a success.
One of the other important pieces of work underway at the College is the establishment of our Como Way Student Advisory Group. Recently, I called for nominations because I firmly believe that shaping our culture cannot be something that is simply done for students. It must be done with students.
If we genuinely want Como Secondary College to be a place where every student feels valued, heard and connected, then we need student voices at the table. This advisory group will provide opportunities for students to contribute ideas, share perspectives, identify areas for improvement and help shape the future direction of our school.
I strongly encourage all students who are interested in contributing to our community to submit an Expression of Interest through the following link:
The Como Way Student Advisory Group – Fill in form https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/RepvucfJwf
This work aligns closely with the principles outlined by the Commissioner for Children and Young People WA, whose Statement of Commitment reminds us that young people have the right to be safe, belong, be treated fairly, contribute to decisions, be listened to, learn, create, connect and thrive. The document also reinforces that these outcomes are only achieved when families, schools, communities and young people work together.
That is exactly what we are striving to achieve through The Como Way.
We want our students to feel safe and supported. We want them to be proud of who they are. We want them to have a voice. We want them to pursue their passions, take opportunities, learn from mistakes and develop into capable young adults. These aspirations cannot sit on a poster or in a strategic plan. They must be lived every day through the actions and expectations of all of us.
Over recent weeks, staff have shared with me their commitments to building and strengthening The Como Way. We are lifting our expectations across the College because we know our students are capable of achieving great things. High expectations, however, must be accompanied by strong support, clear boundaries and genuine partnership.
That is why I am also asking for the support of our parents and carers.
In the coming weeks we will be providing opportunities for families to share feedback, contribute ideas and help shape what The Como Way looks like in practice. Please keep an eye out for dates and opportunities to engage with us. Your insights matter, and your partnership is essential if we are to create a culture that reflects the needs and aspirations of our entire community.
While we are talking about community involvement, we are also currently seeking a Parent Representative for the School Board. If you are interested in contributing to the governance and future direction of the College, please check Compass for nomination details. It is a valuable opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our school.
A reminder also that Communication Week is fast approaching. Please take the time to review the information Mr Mooney distributed earlier this week and reach out if you have questions or concerns. Strong communication remains one of the foundations of a successful partnership between home and school. We need to continue working together to support every student.
Our senior students are also moving into an important period of course selections, pathway planning and career conversations. Whether students are considering university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships or direct entry into the workforce, now is the time to be asking questions, exploring options and seeking advice. Families play an important role in these discussions, so I encourage you to engage with your child and our staff as decisions are made about future pathways.
And finally, before anyone asks, no football commentary this week. Sometimes the safest move is simply to leave the ladder exactly where it is and focus on the things we can all agree on: great students, great staff and a great community.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Alen Kursar
Principal
