Governing Council Community Voice (December)

The 2023 PLHS Governing Council held its final meeting last night to celebrate our achievements for the year and farewell Principal Todd George.

Our major 2023 goal was to bring the community back into the life of their school post COVID restrictions; to open the doors and allow others to witness and appreciate the school’s strength and diversity, and understand the teamed professionalism, commitment and energy given to student well-being, personal development and learning.

With the backdrop of Centenary Celebrations and the two Open Nights, there has been a growing and steady stream of interest in the school and what it has to offer. There is a community buzz for what our school is doing; this is the momentum that makes PLHS a great place to learn, teach and work. A place for students and staff to aspire and develop and for the community to feel proud of their school.

A continuing theme for Governing Council has been to hear and listen, to encourage, support and build confidence, and pursue the issues that matter for families in the best interest of all students. We have been well supported and encouraged by the school (its staff at every level and the Principal Student Leaders representing the SRC).

To this end, your Governing Council and Parent Reference Group has been well served by its members, who bring to the table their rich experiences and skills, and commitment to education and their children’s school. This collective has served to keep the GC on track and to appreciate and recognise the good work at all levels of those who serve this dynamic and evolving institution. Thank you to each of you for your time and contributions.

This developing sense of collective community ownership and responsibility provides the endorphins to keep us positive, meet challenges and look optimistically ahead for our children’s opportunities and successes.

With the recent appointment of PLHS Principal Todd George as Principal of Adelaide’s Urrbrae Specialist Agricultural High School for 2024, we look forward to welcoming new PLHS Principal Craig Akehurst and building on the great relationship that we currently enjoy with school leadership. Craig is an experienced educator and leader in both primary and secondary education who will ably continue the development and success of Port Lincoln High School.

For Todd, he moves to a senior leadership position which builds upon his service and commitment of twenty-four years to Port Lincoln High School. Todd’s appointment acknowledges his many skills and successes, and we have no doubt that the Urrbrae school community, like ours, will appreciate what Todd offers as a leader and an educator. I know that you join us when we say “Congratulations Todd!”; well-deserved and thank you for the work you have done for our school and our community.

Year 12 students have finished their year on a high with a spectacular Art & Design Exhibition, a glamorous Formal and a spirited Awards Ceremony evening. We wish each student the very best and anticipate their successes to come.

Thank you to the many families who have responded to the Governing Council poll regarding the 2024 Materials and Services Charges. The community has supported the proposal of making our Materials and Services Charge fully recoverable.

We are looking forward to meeting and greeting you during the school’s 2024 Open Days on Tuesday January 23^rd to Thursday January 25^th inclusive; the 2024 school year commences for students on Monday January 29^th.

Our first GC meeting for 2024 will take place from 6:30pm on Wednesday February 14^th; we welcome you to attend.

To finish, Governing Council wishes our families and the wider community a happy Christmas and a safe New Year.

Kind regards,

Brian Gabb & the PLHS Governing Council