PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
DEAR PARENTS, CARERS, FRIENDS AND GUARDIANS,
We enter the last week of Term 3 and I look back and wonder where the year has gone. Somewhat amazingly, Term 4 is almost upon us and preparations for the 2020 school year are already well underway.
I believe that my journey at John Therry over the last seven Terms has been a productive one for your child. The total Staff group has invested time and energy in taking on new in initiatives, standards have been raised and sadly, some students have been moved on. This is not something that we take lightly but we must always protect the learning and development of the total student group.
An improvement in behavior, yard cleanliness, uniform standards and general respect for all is clearly evident. And I believe, that your child is the beneficiary. The students seem happier to be at John Therry.
I often say to the students at Assembly that “not everyone can come first, it isn’t possible. But everyone can do their best”. I truly believe this and that too many of the students at John Therry are not achieving their best as they coast along through school. Well, to achieve your best you need to work at it and put in effort. Our kids are great kids, but how high can they fly?
This is the question. So when the teachers push your child to be better, to do more, it is with the aim of achieving the best possible outcome.
I remind all parents and students that we finish the Term on Friday 27th September with a Farewell Assembly to Yr 12 to start the day. This is an extremely important time for them on their learning journey and the support of the rest of the student population is crucial. Please ensure that your child is present.
Finally, thank you to all parents for the support provided as we work in partnership to get the best results for the kids.
P&F ASSOCIATION CHANGING TO A JOHN THERRY PARENT ADVISORY GROUP
In my seven Terms at John Therry we have held P&F meetings on a regular basis. At these meetings, normally held on a Tuesday evening from 6.30 – 8.00pm we have had between 3 and 8 parents attend and join Mr McAllister and myself. Despite advertising these meetings the figure didn’t seem to change. We had a committed group of regulars attend. So the discussion was held with those present at the last two meetings whether we continue as a P&F or change it up to see if we can get more parent voice.
After consulting with Catholic Education Office we will be moving to a Parent Advisory Group (PAG) in 2020. So you ask, what is the difference?
A PAG does not have to meet at night, can have members asked to be on the group if specific projects are happening where their skills will assist the school, can vary in size, will still represent all parents who wish to have a voice and have greater access to the school Principal.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Parent Advisory Group may:
- Obtain family and community views on programs, services and other matters,
- Contribute to the development of the vision, values and planning,
- Provide advice to the Principal and School Executive on programs and services needed,
- Develop advice for the School Executive on strategies for encouraging family and community participation and engagement,
- Promote the school within the community,
- Participate in training opportunities as appropriate,
- Provide representation on other or Diocesan groups.
So please keep an eye on the school Newsletter in Term 4 as we advertise for members.
Please feel free to call and discuss any matter that this may arise.