As we wrap up a busy and vibrant Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on some of the incredible highlights that have made this term one to remember.

Firstly, I am incredibly proud to share that one of our own, Jamie Lau, is currently representing Australia in softball and is competing overseas in Italy as I write this. This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Jamie’s hard work, dedication, and talent. We wish her the very best and look forward to celebrating her success upon her return.

Another standout moment this term was our school’s spectacular production of the musical “School of Rock.” With close to 200 students involved across acting, dancing, music, visual arts, and technical support, and with the entire CAPA staff contributing their expertise, this was a whole-school triumph. Without a doubt, it was one of the best school musicals I have ever seen, and I couldn’t have been prouder of the talent, teamwork, and passion displayed by everyone involved.

This term also saw the successful completion of half-yearly exams across Years 7 to 10, involving nearly 900 students over two weeks. I want to commend all of our students for the calm, focused and responsible way they approached these assessments. They managed the process incredibly well, showing resilience and maturity throughout. Half-yearly reports will be finalised and sent home before the end of term, providing a valuable snapshot of your child’s progress so far this year.

Looking ahead, I am very much looking forward to our upcoming Learning Conferences, which will take place early next term on August 7 and 14. These conferences are a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about your child’s learning and growth. Please see the article later in this newsletter for further details on how to book a time.

In terms of staffing, you may be aware of the ongoing teacher shortages across NSW and Australia. This is a national issue, and while we are not immune to its effects, we are actively working with the Department of Education (DoE) to manage this challenge. It is, as they say, a teacher’s market, and from time to time we do lose staff to positions closer to home or with different opportunities. However, we have strong systems in place to ensure that learning continues without disruption and that lessons are always covered.

Importantly, our school is on the DoE’s First Fill List and is classified as a Priority Recruitment School, which provides us with intensive recruitment support. Much of our staffing pressure is due to the rapid growth of our school and the cost of living in the Northern Beaches area. Encouragingly, with the realignment of our drawing area caused by the change to Freshwater Campus, our growth should now slow. Also recent DoE data shows a 20% reduction in teacher vacancies statewide at the start of this year compared to the previous year, a promising trend.

Finally, we are preparing to engage our whole community, teachers, students, and parents, in a vital conversation about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Early next term, we’ll be distributing a survey to gather your thoughts and experiences. The insights we collect will help shape future policies and practices around assessment, homework, and the safe, appropriate use of AI in our school environment.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our thriving school community. Wishing you a safe and restful break, we look forward to seeing everyone back for an exciting Term 3.

Justin Hong
Principal