There is so much happening, and we have much to be grateful for in our wonderful community. Below is a summary of the exciting events and developments that have taken place in the first two weeks of Term 3. There is never a dull moment in a vibrant independent school!

• We have welcomed new families to our community with new students starting in our ELC and Primary School.
• There is a buzz of excitement as we witness the creation of a new play space. Special thanks to Michelle Bode for her distinct and passionate leadership in this important project.
• Our teams of teachers have been passionately engaging students in explicit teaching across all subject areas, with new Units of Inquiry underway.
• Our creative and enthusiastic students are applying themselves in many and varied ways.
• Our Year 6s are adventuring in Canberra (and I am with them as you read this edition of The Bell!)
• Strategic planning is front of mind for the School Board and staff team as we work towards a clear intent for our School, leveraging off our many strengths, varied achievements, rich heritage and future focus.
• I have connected with legendary St Andrew’s School Principal Mr David Woolnough, who served this community with commitment and passion as its leader for 20 years.

• Our uniform review is nearing completion, with our intention to bring a simplified uniform range at reduced cost to the community later in Term 3.
• We have finalised recruitment and look forward to sharing news of our outstanding new Head of Sport and Experiential Learning next week.
• We are in review and planning mode as we look forward to our International Baccalaureate Evaluation Visit in 2024.
• Conversations about our new Master Plan have commenced at a Board level.
• 2024 school budget planning is well underway.
• We have reached a consensus in our negotiations for our updated staff Enterprise Agreement and plan to proceed with a formal vote after final consultation with the staff team in the coming weeks.

I finish by sharing our new ‘What I Need to Know’ meetings, which commence this term. These one-on-one meetings between myself and the classroom teachers will provide dedicated time for specific conversations about each student’s progress here at St Andrew’s School. As the Principal, my commitment is to support every student’s progress so they can be the best version of their unique and wonderful selves.