Dear parents, as we rapidly approach the end of the academic year, I have been pondering whether it is just me or do others also wonder where the year has gone? As I write this article, we are at the beginning of Week 4 of the final term of the year, Year 12 students are currently sitting their final exams, Year 11 students are about to start their exam schedule and a flurry of programmed camps and activities are currently underway including the Year 4 Zoo Sleepovers, Year 5 Rottnest Island Tour, the 5 day Year 9 Adventure Camping Experience, along with various subject based class activities, excursions and experiences.

I want to take this opportunity to give a massive ‘shout out’ to the LJBC staff at this time for the dedication they have shown to ensure these opportunities for our students are indeed totally memorable, significant and enjoyable learning experiences for each and every student involved. The willingness of our staff, along with the support of our parents to go ‘above and beyond’ to deliver the best possible outcomes for our students is once again demonstrated in the most emphatic way.

The student response to these opportunities has been most highly commendable and evident through their high levels of engagement, thoughtful reflections and insights, along with a spirit of continued sense of fun and adventure while being presented with ‘stretching experiences’ beyond the routine everyday school activities.

It seems with every student group interaction that I encounter, there is a story of excitement, intrigue and dynamic learning. From our very successful State Champion Opti-minds and Future Problem Solvers at the National Championships in Brisbane, Senior School camping and expedition experiences through our Outdoor Education Program, the Football Academy Trials for over 240 students, the committed students and staff currently meeting a very demanding band and performance rehearsal and preparation schedule for our 2020 College Production of ‘The Little Mermaid’, along with the above mentioned education based adventures, you can begin to see just how dynamic and significant this season of the school year is in the educational story of our students.

This time of year, also provides vibrant opportunities for families to ‘glimpse into student learning’ through the upcoming Graduation, Award and Concert celebration events that are just around the corner. Busy yet energizing times for teachers, students and parents promise to provide us all with the opportunity to indeed finish the school year off on a very positive and enjoyable note. The demands on all concerned, students, staff and parents, is at times very challenging and we commend everyone on their resolve, energy and commitment to ensure this busy time is indeed a time of blessing and honour to our students, pulling together the year’s learning, and celebrating growth and achievement, finishing well. Thank you.

Personally, I look forward with great excitement and anticipation to the flurry of activity still in front of us. I continue to be so grateful for the opportunity to be actively involved in these educational opportunities with students and teachers, sharing the journey, excitement and challenges, gaining valuable insight into the educational outcomes and needs of our LJBC students. Upon my return, I look forward to engaging with many of you in the dynamic program of events, leading up to the end of the academic year. Once again, this is one of the most enjoyable aspects of leading such an outstanding College such as LJBC, meeting with parents, students and staff in joint celebration of an amazing year of learning, adventure and growth for our students. It is indeed great times.

Thank you to all parents for your ongoing support of, and engagement with your child’s learning journey, together we are indeed making a difference. Looking forward to seeing you over the coming weeks.

Daryl Pollard

College Principal