In preparation for our Year 10 Information evening it seemed fitting to reflect on the time we spent together as a community in 2019 designing our future school and the distance travelled together so far. I took the time to revisit our commitments to families across 2019, upon the announcement of a new school for Coomera and I was pleased to see that we have not faltered from our community vision for our school. Personalised learning continues to be a focus for our school, and is apparent in our unique Year 10 program. With students offered a diverse range of opportunities partnered with our strong cultural and community partnerships.

The following gallery of images are a collection of slides presented in May, August and November 2019. Our 'Design your Future School' event is captured in the below video. 

We continue to be guided by the five things that matter most to us at Foxwell: 

Our Year 10 Compass Years program is an exciting time for students in their preparation for senior schooling. In perusing the handbook you will find the introduction of language specific to Year 11 and 12 Queensland studies. It is important to recognise that the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) outlines that the delivery of the Year 10 Australian Curriculum is the most appropriate and effective means of preparing students for their senior studies. Our program is developed in accordance with the Australian Curriculum, while also ensuring students have the opportunity to have exposure to courses linked to and preparing for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Attainment (QCIA).

On Thursday 8th September our school community acknowledged R U OK?Day. This is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life's ups and downs.This R U OK? DAY we acknowledge that ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’. We all have the ability to meaningfully connect and start a conversation with those who may be struggling. Using these four steps to start a conversation could change someone’s life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Staff and students started the day with an R U OK? Day pancake breafast outside our Sports Performance Centre, followed by class activities and a school assembly. During lunch students had the opportunity to participate in mindfulness activities on our bean bags. 

During our assembly we celebrated the achievements of students across multiple fields within our school. We recognised students that competed recently in Broadwater Athletics, the Queensland University Wonder of Science Regional Conference, the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival and the Gold Coast Eistedfodd. Congratulations to all students!

It also seemed fitting during our assembly to advertise our upcoming Colour Explosion. Members of our staff were 'surprised' when they found themselves a part of the advertisement. We look forward to Colour Explosion next week!

As we prepare for school holidays, I would like to remind our families of some very important community events coming up early in Term 4. 

On Friday the 7th October we will host the Northern Gold Coast Mental Health Marketta at school from 4pm. We will be joined at this event by over 40 stall holders, including food trucks, mental health providors and activities for children. Thank you to our event partners Dreamworld and Bank of Queensland, alongside many others who we look forward to acknowledging on Facebook over the coming three weeks. 

On Wednesday the 12th October we will hold our Year 9 2023 Information Evening. We look forward to seeing all of our current Year 8 families at this event. 

This morning we woke to the sad news that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. Her Majesty served as the Sovereign for more than 70 years and will be remembered fondly worldwide as the longest reigning monarch of the Commonwealth. 

As a mark of respect, schools and government houses will fly the Australian flag - as well as the Queensland and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags - at half mast. 

Further information on Queensland specific matters relating to the death of Her Majesty is available at https://www.qld.gov.au/condolences.

Until next time...