Strategic Plan Update

STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE

During the holiday period I spent some time refining our Strategic Plan.

I have had the privilege of sharing this important document with some of the School community through the Year 5/8 Lunch and Dinner programme and with the academic staff.

Our School stands at the precipice of change, and the possibilities are exciting. I thank all members of our community who have contributed to this important process and I look forward to formally presenting our plans to you in due course.

Change is a certainty in any school, business or workplace.  Welcoming and working with new ideas, processes and people can define an organisation.

The Strategic Planning process has engaged us in redefining our direction to respond to the changing needs of our students, parents and staff.  We have revised the Mission of the School, our points of difference, and articulated those characteristics we see as crucial in defining the Scots experience.

From this process we have identified the following eight focus areas on which the Strategic Plan will be based.

• The Learning Experience
• The Learning Environment
• Enterprise and Partnerships
• A Community of Global Citizens
• Performance Development and Recruiting
• Financial Sustainability
• Boarding
• Social Justice Orientation

We are now at the stage of developing Action Plans that will take us to the development stage. These will then go to our School Board who will consider each of the proposals before we work forward.

Change is best when it reflects the heart of an organisation. This is evident in our plans for the future.

Change always comes bearing gifts.
Price Pritchett

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My sincere thanks to a number of staff who have been willing to make additional contributions to our School during the past weeks.

In Mr Scott Young's absence I thank Mr Mark Turner, Mrs Penny Curran-Peters and Mr Roger Barrows. Each of these staff members was able to ensure our students' and staff needs have continued to be met.

Mr Barry Wenke is still receiving medical treatment arising from his accident earlier in the year. Thank you to Ms Anne Shanley for covering his Year 11 class. Anne's expertise in English is outstanding and I know that Year 11 will gain from her involvement. Ms Shanley is also working with Miss Marnie Miller's Year 7 English class.

Mrs Karen Ennis is working with Mr Wenke's Year 9 and Year 10 classes. Her enthusiasm and commitment is pivotal to providing and excellent learning environment for all of her students. Mrs Ennis is also working with Miss Miller's extra English and Mathematics class.

Thank you to all.

CONGRATULATIONS

The entire Scots community congratulates Mr and Mrs Brant Whitsed on their recent marriage. Mr Whitsed is Year 7 Co-ordinator.  I know that you share with me in wishing them happiness and health in their lives together.