Principal’s Update | September
The pandemic has continued to require equal measure of adaptability and resilience throughout Term 3, but in (what I am fast learning to be) true Mac.Rob spirit, our school community continues to rise to the challenge. Even though we have spent most of the Term in remote learning, we have achieved some significant milestones in our school history throughout this term.
Firstly, I am humbled and honoured to have been appointed to the ongoing Principal position at Mac.Rob. I look forward to working with and for the school community to continue the school’s resounding success, cherish its long history and significant traditions, and nurture a new era of innovation and growth. Throughout my first Term I have had the pleasure of meeting with and learning from staff, students, families, Palladians, and Mac.Rob Foundation members, as well as our colleagues in the other selective entry and neighbouring schools. The welcome I have received has been warm, inclusive, and informative, and I am excitedly heading into Term 4 with a strong understanding of the schools needs and priorities.
Secondly, the launch of our new school values - Community, Responsibility, Growth, and Compassion - was the culmination of significant consultation over 18 months with both staff and students. These values are a true reflection of the things that are important to us all and will act as a touchstone to guide our actions and decisions for many years to come. On behalf of the school community, I thank and congratulate former Principal Anne Stout for the generative work to build consensus to create the values with Assistant Principal Michelle Pride and consultant Phillipa Taylor.
The online celebration of Mac.Rob Week and RUOK? Week were both great examples of our values in action. Daily our student leaders took responsibility and showed great creativity and ingenuity to ensure that we came together to celebrate and support each other as a community. I have been both delighted and inspired by the work of our students.
Another significant achievement was our authorisation as an International Baccalaureate school. An enormous body of work has taken place over the past three years to achieve this. Congratulations to the whole school community for their stellar efforts.
While we celebrate big things, such as those noted above, it is worthwhile taking a few moments to celebrate the daily commitment to learning and teaching – the commitment to turning up, turning on our cameras and participating, to striving to do the best we can, and to staying motivated and connected. We are incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together.
I wish everyone a safe and restful break, and look longingly towards Term 4 and the prospect of us all being back together on campus in the not too distant future.
Best wishes,
Ms. Sue Harrap, Principal