At the time of writing this, we have three days left of Term one! It is amazing how quickly the time has gone, and even more incredible when one considers everything that has happened this term.

In important news just out, Mr Maurice Andrejic has been seconded and is currently Acting Principal at Mareeba State High School. Mr Andrejic commenced there last Wednesday and will remain in this role at least until May, with a likelihood that he will be there for the rest of Semester 1.

Mr Adrian Hooper will replace Mr Andrejic as Acting Head of the Secondary Campus during this time.  I will notify you of the flow on replacements in early Term 2.

School Photos have now been completed and I have to say that I have been very impressed with the organisation and quality of the photos from our new supplier MSP Photography. Photos of the Student Leaders on both the Primary and Secondary Campuses are included in this newsletter.

Speaking of the Student Leaders, I had the pleasure of joining them at Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre for their School Council leadership camp. I was very impressed by their commitment to the College and of the way that they bonded as a College Leadership Team.  Feedback from the staff at Holloways was that this group of students rate amongst the best group they have ever had on camp! I am obviously very proud of these students.

The new building is starting to progress more quickly now that we are getting some dry weather. I look forward to having the building handed over to us, hopefully in August. There are progress photos on Facebook and I will feature photos in a newsletter in term 2 as the building takes shape.

NAPLAN tests have been completed for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Whilst we treat and value NAPLAN testing and the student result with respect, it is important to acknowledge that this test is a point in time test. I place a far higher level of importance on students everyday focus on their studies and assessment tasks.

You will be receiving an interim report for your students on the Secondary Campus on the first Friday next term followed by Parent Teacher interviews in week 3 next term. Parents on the Primary Campus have already had the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers at the Parent Teacher interview evening last week.

This week on Tuesday evening saw Mrs Donagh Freestun step down as President of the RSC Parents and Citizens Association. Donagh has held the role as President since 2016. I would like to thank Donagh for her tireless commitment to make our College a better place to learn and work. I will personally miss the weekly catchup meeting where I get to make her a cup of coffee! I am sure that we will have opportunities to catch up from time to time again. I wish her all the best in her new important role as the Chairperson of P&C Queensland.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated staff at the College for their work in ensuring that Term 1 has been a successful experience for students academically and personally. I look forward to continuing to partner with parents and community in Term 2 and look forward to sharing student success and achievements with you in a later newsletter.

Have a happy and safe Easter holiday period. Stay safe and take the time to relax with family and friends. I look forward to seeing all the students back on Monday 15 April.

Mike Hansen
Executive Principal