Hard to believe term 3 has less in front of it than it does behind.
Term 3 started with a record low number of external suspensions. In fact, we didn’t do a single suspension for the first two weeks which is a record for the almost 9 years I have been here.
Speaking of 9 years in the principal chair, I just wanted to assure people that my passion and dedication to this place has not changed. If anything, it has intensified. While every job has its challenges, I love working here. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with our Deputy’s Mark, Emma and Lachlan. Their skills and passion are second to none, and I’ve worked with many Deputy Principal’s across the state. I love our admin staff, business manager, Guidance Officer, cleaners, teachers, aides, grounds staff- the whole team. While we may have different perspectives from time to time, our shared commitment to putting students first always brings us together.
Recently, one of our Deputy Principals experienced a situation where a parent was swearing at them. As we reflected on it together, we commented how we could hardly remember the last time a parent had sworn at a Deputy, and that is a great thing.
I shouldn’t have to say ‘thank you for not swearing at us’, but I will. There was a time when that kind of behaviour was far more common and often accepted, but OSHS has worked hard to grow a culture of respect, kindness, and support. No one comes to work expecting to be mistreated, and we will never put up with it. Our staff are here for one reason: to help every one of our 450 students become the very best version of themselves.
Next term, we’ll undergo our next school review—four years on from the last one. As part of this process, we’ll be providing the review team with names of parents they can speak with to gain a better understanding of our school community.
If you’d like to be part of this and share your perspective, please contact the school office to register your interest. Your insights are always valued.
Thanks to everyone who cares about their kids and this place. Together we can make it even better.
Danny Keenan