Governing Council Community Voice (November)

Hi all; here are a few takeaways from our last Governing Council meeting for 2024.

PLHS is finishing the year on a high…

• The recent Open Night event was buzzing with people moving about the school and appreciating the diverse range of learning and personal development opportunities that this progressive school offers children and community. With the school’s Stage Band playing, the barbecue sizzling and Dance and performing arts in action, the many visitors to the school meandered, mingled and enjoyed the very social atmosphere. Your community school and all belong.
• It’s hot! Not the weather, but the senior Art/Design students’ “MIDINIDI” exhibition, currently on display in the Nautilus Arts Centre’s Walter Nicholls Memorial Gallery. Take a peek to appreciate the students’ work and read their insightful practitioner’s statements. Wow! I’m always blown away by the scope and quality of this work.
• Did you get there? Last week’s Year 12 Award & Completion Ceremony in the Nautilus Theatre was compered and run by students. It was a stellar night, with former student Zoe Karatzovalis taking us on her journey of aspiration and purpose; from Port Lincoln High School to Sydney-based professional dancer and business owner of two inclusive dance studios, and now also a member of the famous Wiggles. Hit the road, Zoe! Your next Wiggles tour starts soon. A transcript of Zoe’s inspirational address is available on the PLHS Facebook page and school website. Take a bow, Year 12 students – your Governing Council congratulates you and your families; chase your dreams, imagine and aspire.
• We’re not finished yet. The Year 9 Drama classes are preparing their annual Pantomime, “The Runaway Sleigh”. This joyful production will delight the kindy and junior primary students who attend from surrounding centres.
• Success, success and more success was celebrated at the final Year 7-11 Awards Assembly for 2024. With the school’s Stage Band belting out an up-tempo bracket heralding celebration, this high energy occasion was enjoyed by students and community alike.

Your Governing Council is looking forward to welcoming new students and their families to the school in 2025; accordingly, please put this one in your diary – our first Governing Council meeting for 2025 will take place on Wednesday February 12^th (from 6:30pm in the Specialist Building). At this meeting, Principal Craig Akehurst and Deputy Principal Lesley Warren will explore the following topics:

• the development of student agency to pursue personal growth
• strategies to recognise and use success processes
• tools for “cracking the code” for lifelong learning and successful participation in the Middle School (Years 7-9)

Don’t miss this one; further details will be provided early next year.

To finish, I wish to offer my sincere thanks and congratulations to the 2024 Governing Council and Parent Reference Group members. Your voice and support for the school makes this a great place for our children’s learning and development. You are a special bunch, and a pleasure to work with.

Bravo to the dedicated and hard-working staff at PLHS and the Transition Learning Centre. Collectively, they are the beating heart of this school, and they thrive on student success. A great team; public and proud.

To our PLHS school community, Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and those who are most important to you. Safe travels if on the move. Get ready to hop on board the Governing Council train departing from Platform 2025 – look out, here we come.

~ Brian Gabb (Chairperson)