Although belated, Happy Mother’s Day to all the mums and carers in our community. I hope you were appropriately celebrated last Sunday and had the opportunity to enjoy some special time with your families, particularly your children.
As always, it has been another busy and rewarding period at Como Secondary College. Our students have been fully engaged in a wide range of activities, undertaking Externally Set Tasks (ESTs), preparing for upcoming senior school examinations, participating in EMITS and CREATE programs and excursions, competing in carnivals and competitions, and representing both the State and Australia in various tournaments. There is truly never a dull moment at Como SC, and I am incredibly proud of the breadth of opportunities our students embrace.
You may have noticed a pause in my updates over the past couple of weeks. This was due to my being away on the East Coast attending a family funeral. It was, however, more a celebration of life, as my wife’s grandfather had only the week prior celebrated his 102nd birthday. Herb Bennett was a WWII veteran who, up until the age of 97, rode 20 kilometres each day. While he insisted he never fell off his bike, there were certainly a number of “idiot drivers,” as he described them, who had other plans over the years.
What stood out most during this time were the many stories shared, not about grand achievements, but about Herb’s consistent acts of service to others. His life was defined by what he gave to his family, friends and community. It prompted me to reflect again on a question I shared recently: What have I done for someone else lately?
I extend that question to all members of our school community, students, staff, and families. How are we contributing to others, and for others? This thinking will inform the upcoming review of our Business Plan, particularly in relation to our values and what we refer to as The Como Way. I genuinely want to hear from you, what you value in our college, and what you want for our students, staff, and community moving forward.
A reminder that our School Board and P&C meetings will take place this coming Monday at 7:00pm in the staffroom. It is pleasing to see the P&C reformed, and at this meeting a clear plan will be shared outlining how it can maximise its impact within our school. I will also provide further updates on the new build. Landscape designs have now been developed, and we will begin investigating opportunities for the inclusion of public art within the project. Colours, materials and fixtures have also been shared, and I encourage members of our community to view these, which are currently on display in the Administration building. I am also pleased to reiterate that the impact on our existing tree canopy remains minimal.
This week we are also recognising Careers Week. Ms McIntyre has been actively sharing information with students, along with a range of resources and show bags to promote pathways and opportunities beyond school. Careers, however, should not be confined to a single week, it is an ongoing conversation. Students are far more engaged in their learning when they understand why they are learning and how it connects to their future aspirations and pathways. I encourage all families to continue these conversations at home and to support students in exploring their interests and ambitions.
As the colder weather settles in, I ask for your support in ensuring students are adhering to our college uniform expectations. Hoodies are not permitted, and this is not only a matter of presentation but also one of safety. Your support in reinforcing this expectation is appreciated.
Finally, I wish all students the very best as they continue with ESTs next week, and to our Year 10 students who commence their examinations next Friday.
Have a great weekend.
Regards
Alen Kursar
Principal
