As a Principal, I have the privilege to be involved in a variety of memorable events and many of these leave a strong impact. Last week, the Creative Voices and Drama Festival performance was definitely one of those. As I sat in the audience, I was in awe, watching the extraordinary talents of our students, I struggled to believe that these students were only in Years 7 and 8 (11 to 14 year olds)! The passion, artistry and ability of these students is quite incredible and the performances they and their teachers/directors/producers put together were mind blowing. I commend each and every person involved in the three performances we had the pleasure of watching. Special mention must go to the Head of Creative Voices, Mrs Cara McLennan, and our Dance and Drama Lead Teachers, Mrs Collette Wilson and Mrs Lauren Riches. Thank you for continuing to develop our students into artists and performers worthy of any stage. We cannot wait until our very first Foxwell State Secondary College Musical in 2022 in our brand new, Performing Arts Complex.

We wish Mrs Wilson and her Drama Festival team the very best at the Gold Coast Secondary Schools Drama Festival. Your haunting performance of Paper Cranes is sure to move the audience and bring accolades from the judges.

Whilst sometimes we as humans can focus on the negative of our world or in our community or schools, we should always remember that the great things that are happening here in our school and community far outweigh the other.

As I walk around our school I see the vast majority of students engaging positively, kindly and inclusively. In classrooms, I see students striving to improve, to learn new concepts and to expand their thinking. In rehearsals and training sessions, I see our students give their all, always striving to be better than the day before. Upon arrival at school, I welcome students who are smiling, well presented and ready for the exciting day of learning, connecting and contributing ahead.

For the very small number of students, who at times make poor decisions, please be assured we address these promptly and according to both our SPIRIT Values and the Student Code of Conduct. If any parent/carer has a concern, please remember that my door and the doors of our entire Leadership Team are always open. Together we are great.

Our students could not have a World of Opportunity open to them if it wasn't for the teachers and staff who truly go above and beyond. One of the most common reasons I hear from enrolling parents about why they NEED to enrol their child at Foxwell, is the extra-curricular opportunities available. Many schools reserve these opportunites for students in Year 9 and above, but we believe that every student who enrols at Foxwell should engage in extra-curricular offerings of their choice from their time of enrolment. The only way this is possible is through the generosity and dedication of our staff.

Each week we have staff who work on weekends with Kokoda training or sporting competitions, who commence at 7am for training sessions or rehearsals and also work late in to the evenings to attend football matches, debating competitions, drama performances, STEM opportunities, eSports competitions...and the list goes on. Please remember to acknowledge and thank these staff members for all that they do for our students, your child. 

This week we commenced our 2022 Enrolment Interviews and I am already very impressed by the confidence and respect demonstrated by our enrolling students.

If you have or know of a Year 6 student who wishes to attend Foxwell State Secondary College in 2022, please ensure their enrolment application or application for a Program of Excellence is submitted as soon as possible.

This year, there is a final date for applications for Programs of Excellence, as testing, rehearsals and trial will commence from June. Don't miss out on these opportunities to join the Foxwell State Secondary College community.

Until next time