Principal's Report
Welcome to Term 2! As you know, we don’t do things by halves at Foxwell State Secondary College, and our first week back is no exception.
On Monday evening we hosted over 350 interested students and parents/carers at our 2022 Enrolment Information Evening. This involved Principal Tours and a more formal Enrolment Information Presentation in our Hall. At the end of our presentaion we opened our Question and Answer session, and can already tell from the high level of questioning that the students joining us in 2022 are confident, inquisitive and bright. We look forward to welcoming them to our College.
If you have a child entering Year 7 in 2022, please be aware that enrolments are now open. Since enrolments opened Monday morning, we have been indundated with applications, so please complete the forms you will find on our website so we can arrange our Enrolment Interview.
FROM A CURRENT FOXWELL PARENT ATTENDING FOR HER SECOND CHILD
I wanted to say thank you for the Enrolment Information evening. The school is fantastic and I am so proud to have been part of the school for so long so I can only imagine how proud you all must feel. You have all done a fantastic job.
The feedback I heard from other parents last night and today has been overwhelmingly positive and I know of a few parents who are planning to move into catchment just so they can ensure their child can attend Foxwell.
I look forward to having both my girls attend a school that is so highly sought after.
Many students and parents who visited our school on Monday were impressed by the extensive development of our Stage 2 build over the holidays. We are on track for completion at the end of 2021, ready for 2022. Here is an image from this week.
On Tuesday students from our G-STEM and Advanced Learning Program (ALP) visited the University of Queensland to work with Wonder of Science mentors and explore the many offerings of the university. There was great excitement from the students throughout the day and I am positive that we have confirmed the dream of a career in Science Techonology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) for many of our students.
Wednesday was full of important events, the most important being our first ANZAC ceremony held on site at Foxwell State Secondary College. This was a moving tribute to commemorate the men and women who have served our nation in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. We are incredibly proud of our students who presented or performed at this significant event. Our choir and dancers were extraordinary.
We thank the P & C and the Foundation students/families of 2020 for our newly-developed ANZAC memorial which includes a commemorative plaque and a Lone Pine. We look forward to watching as our Lone Pine and the Foxwell ANZAC traditions continue to grow over the years and decades ahead.
I am writing to say it was a beautiful ANZAC service at your school. I was impressed to see the students showing such respect to their teachers and throughout the service. I was so pleased my daughter could be a part of the service. I enjoyed the service from the start to the end. Congratulations - you did a great job!
Parent of a Year 8 student
The second major event on Wednesday, was the Foxwell State Secondary College Inaugural Cross Country race. All students competed in this event and we are proud of both our competitive and participant runners. The Foxwell SPIRIT was alive and well at the start and finish line, and throughout this race that saw students running across our school site.
On Thursday we welcomed Mr Peter Kelly, the Deputy Director-General of Education, to Foxwell to see our innovative curriculum and pedagogies in action. Our staff and students proudly shared our College with Mr Kelly and spoke about the unique features of our school that they appreciate the most. It was a very positive visit which reinforced the wonderful achievements of our rapidly developing College. Mr Kelly spoke about the quality and expertise of our staff, the high levels of engagement and confidence of our students, and our positive school culture. We are very proud.
A grateful group of students accompanied by Ms Swader and Mr Power were given the opportunity to have a 'Sneak Peak' at the new art exhibition at the amazing new Gold Coast Home of the Arts (HOTA). We will share some more great images once the gallery is open to the pubic. How lucky are our kids with the opportunities our dedicated staff organise for them!
Friday brought more action on the sporting fields as our boys rugby league team competed in a match against Trinity College as a warm up for their Titans Cup competition which will be held in Week 10 of this term. Our students have been training hard and this is certainly paying off. What a great team of young and respectful athletes we have!
I did tell you it was quite a week! This is in addition to the ongoing extra-curricular programs we have running each week and of course the wonderful achievements of students in their learning within their classes everyday.
As a parent at the Enrolment Information evening said to me "I wish I could go back to school - my schooling was nothing like this!"
Vale Andrew Schumacher
It was with great shock and sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of a much-loved Principal. Andrew Schumacher was the Principal of Merrimac State School since 2021 and previously the a/Principal of Picnic Creek State School.
As a school commmunity we extend our sincere sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones at this most difficult time.
As many of you know, Andrew was not just a devoted husband and father, he was also compassionate, caring and a very active member of our community, which makes this news even more heartbreaking.
More than a career teacher and Principal, Andrew will always be remembered for his work in many community associations, including his involvement in the Surf Life Saving Club and the Broadbeach AFL Club.
Andrew was an inspiration to us all and his legacy will continue through the many minds he has helped shape and motivate through the years.
To pay tribute to this exceptional educator some members of staff and students (at the request of their parents) joined me in attending the incredibly moving funeral of Andrew.
Our school has provided appropriate support to students, staff and family of our school and has also reached out to support Merrimac State School and Picnic Creek State School. Should you be concerned with your child's reaction, please contact our school Guidance Officer.
Student Wellbeing
Foxwell State Secondary College is proud of the support we offer students. Our Student Wellbeing Engagment Learning (SWEL) team works with our Heads of Year and Deputy Principals in supporting teachers to best cater for the individual needs of all students. This can include social-emotional support and academic support, and is provided in many and varied ways. Should you feel your child requires additional support, we would recommend making a Parent Teacher Evening appointment with your child's classroom teacher, Head of Year, or the Guidance Officer.
We look forward to seeing many parents and carers (with their child) at the parent teacher evening. This is a critical part of our ongoing partnership with you for the best interests of your child. Together we are better!
I wil be on short period of leave over the next week and will return on Wednesday 5th May. Ms Zana Schroeder will be the acting Principal in my absence.
Until next time
Kym Amor