The lead up to Easter was extraordinary for a couple of reasons. I, along with my colleagues, had the privilege of saying farewell to Emily FitzSimons, after more than 16 years of service to the School, as she takes up the role of Deputy Principal at Peninsula Grammar. Of course, this was tinged with sadness as we said goodbye to a friend, colleague and leader.
In the same week, we welcomed Professor John Hattie to the School, and heard him speak as the 48th Rex J Lipman Fellow. I was utterly inspired as he challenged the audience on several assumptions and goals of learning. In particular, he helped me understand how important it is for us to remain committed to measuring student progress and helping teachers see how they have made the difference in students’ learning. John reminded us of the necessity and challenging nature of the work we do in measuring students’ learning growth. When it is relatively easier to measure students’ achievement only, many learning institutions do not accept the challenge as we have at St Peter’s College; which is to measure both.
I am excited to begin my new responsibility of leading the School’s academic focus of improving student progress and achievement. In doing so I look forward to working with more members of our community. Please note that as I step into the role of Acting Director, I am setting aside some of my former duties. As of the beginning of Term 2, Trudi Duggin will take on the role of SACE Coordinator and Glyn Roberts will take on the role of Timetable Coordinator. They will each take up an office in the Learning & Teaching Centre and they will be contactable by phoning 8404 0433.
Sam Cheesman, Acting Director of Learning & Teaching Excellence