As we continue to grow and welcome new students and staff to the Foxwell State Secondary College community, I often spend time reflecting on the ‘Design your future school day’ we held on the YOT Club in mid-2019. In many ways this seems like so long ago, but in others it feels like yesterday. On this day, we listened to our incoming parents and students, our foundation staff and members of our future school community. We pondered what we wanted our school culture to be like and what we wanted most for our students. The thing that continues to stand out to me was that as The Foxwell Community, we wanted happy, strong, successful learners who had the skills and knowledge to be able to learn, think and act independently in a constantly changing global world. Whilst we never expected that 2020/2021 would challenge us in unexpected and unprecedented ways, we should be very proud that our Foxwell Community is making the most of every situation and ensuring that every child has the chance to 'succeed'. 

Quality learning and teaching is happening here in every lesson, every day, by teachers who are among the most inspiring and motivated teachers I have ever seen in my career. Making the most of 2021 at Foxwell SSC comes down to all of us working in partnership. The support, guidance, mentoring and coaching of our students is the joint responsibility of the College staff and parents/families, and from my experience the more we work together, the better the outcomes.

Attendance every single day is an absolute priority not just for individual students, but for the entire family unit. Sometimes, it does take a little more oomph to get our children out the door for school on time and completely prepared for the day, believe me, I know! But with clear expectations, support, encouragement (and after a full night's sleep and a healthy breakfast), our students will be best prepared for the day ahead, ready to take advantage of every opportunity available to them.

MADONNA KING PARENTING SESSION

On Thursday evening I attended Madonna King's parent forum related to her best selling books 'Being 14' and 'Ten-Ager'. She spoke passionately, and from her experience and research, about the important transitions our students go through on their way to adulthood. She covered the topics of resilience, peer relationships, parental boundaries, self-esteem and body image, social media, and friendships. She also reinforced the critical importance of the positive relationship between parents and their child's school, especially reminding parents to be aware of the language and messages shared with students about their child's teacher, school and education in general.   

I am very proud to have been included in this research and book and will share one of my quotes from the 'Ten-Ager'. Asked if given a wand, and one magic spell, what would I bring to every ten year old girl. My response, in fact, resonates with every child and young adult.

"My magical power is a personal superpower that allows them to retain their inner beauty and innocence, vulnerability and hope, whilst able to provide a force field of strength, courage, determination, grit and resilience that will allow them to know their self-worth, stand true to their beliefs, and always aspire to fulfill their own aspirations."

After a request from a member of our school community, I have asked Madonna King to present her parenting session to our Coomera Community to be hosted here at Foxwell. This will be open to our parents and families and also families from the local primary schools. Keep a look out for further information in the coming weeks.

OUR SPIRIT

We are proud of the supportive and caring culture of Foxwell, and equally proud that our students generally meet, and often exceed our high expectations for them. We are committed to our SPIRIT values and ensuring ‘SUCCESS’ for every student. Our culture of belonging, and pride in our school, ensures that students can achieve extraordinary things in a safe environment. We continue to focus on developing students who are well in both body and mind, and our commitment to Positive Education, and our strong stance against bullying, support this endeavour. We celebrate the diversity of our community and truly believe that ‘Our Diversity is our Strength’.

LEADERSHIP

Last week at our Assembly, we celebrated the leadership demonstrated not only by the elected leaders of 2020, but by all of the students in Years 7 and 8. You don’t need a badge to lead – you lead by your example, your words and your actions. I acknowledge and thank the elected leaders of 2020 and I look forward to welcoming and developing the Foxwell SSC Ambassadors for 2021. Knowing the calibre of students at our school, I know we are in safe hands.

I congratulate our wonderful students and exceptional staff on a brilliant start to 2021. From the individual students who were celebrated for their achievements on Assembly last week, to the quiet achievers who are meeting their learning or life goals, I applaud you. What I have observe in and out of the classroom makes me exceptionally proud to say that I am the Principal of Foxwell State Secondary College. Keep up the excellent work.

A THOUGHT TO PONDER

Our lives are complex and at times we face obstacles and challenges that seem to come from nowhere. Noone is exempt from this and people respond in many different ways. This week I share a strategy that helps me to be resilient and to cultivate optimism. My 19-year-old son once told me that the key to his successful life was to "LOOK UP". Looking up can mean different things to different people at different times. Look up to observe and celebrate the beauty of the world we live in. Look up from our phones and the potential negative influences of social media. Look up and truly engage with our family, friends, and strangers on the street. Look up in wonder at what our next adventure or achievement may be. Look up, because looking down will hold us back from what is possible in our lives. 

Until next time

Kym Amor