The environment we live in is very dynamic, adaptable, and demanding. Frequently, we find ourselves juggling our day jobs with our efforts to take care of ourselves, others, our relationships, our friendships, our personal ambitions, and everyone else. Stability is what we want, crave, and strive for amid the "chaos" that many of us would consider typical. For children at all stages of development, having this steadiness from parents and teachers will help them deal with the uncertainty of life on a global scale.

For children of all backgrounds to achieve in a learning environment, expectations must be set in a manner that is clear, high, and consistent. This is only one example of the stability that is provided, and it serves as a benchmark for kids to grasp their limits and the set of norms that guide appropriate behaviour.  

Kogarah is pleased to be a school with excellent standards for both its staff and students. On a personal level, I am aware that it is just one of many principles that help me in my work here. Our standards do not diminish during the semester, when fatigue is a major factor in standards sliding, our discussions become abrupt or dismissive, and the uniform standards start to lapse. No matter how busy or worn out we are, we will have constant expectations of students and staff during each week of the term to help the community develop rigour and resilience.

It would be simpler to ignore these issues at this stage in the semester, but the quote "the standard you walk past is the standard you accept" is now truer than ever. What message are we conveying when we say it's acceptable to act badly when you're tired or toss rubbish on the ground because it takes a little extra work to put it in the bin? Let's avoid adding to the ambiguity of sending conflicting messages to students in their daily lives, whether it is liked or not. Knowing how we feel or how busy we are, I challenge everyone in our community to support one another in having high standards for ourselves and, by extension, for our children.

This past month has been filled with meaningful events that have brought our school community closer together. Our ANZAC Day assembly was particularly moving, embodying the spirit of remembrance and respect as students honoured those who served our country. It was heartening to see students engage thoughtfully in this important tradition, reflecting on the sacrifices made by the ANZACs.

Despite the rain, our Athletics Carnival was a success, filled with laughter and camaraderie as students showcased their talents and sportsmanship. The enthusiasm displayed by participants and supporters alike was truly infectious, reminding us of the joy of community spirit.

We also enjoyed a delightful afternoon at the PAT afternoon tea, which saw high attendance and fostered connections among Year 12 leaders of surrounding schools, reinforcing the bonds within our school community.

The recent Careers Expo was another highlight for our senior students, providing them with the opportunity to connect with representatives from various universities, the Defence Force, and apprenticeship companies. This engagement is crucial for assisting our students in their transition from high school and exploring their future pathways.

Furthermore, the Year 10 Youth Ambassador Leadership Workshop empowered our students to take on leadership roles, equipping them with valuable skills to make a positive impact.

In addition to these events, our assembly for Disability Recognition Week was both informative and respectful, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and understanding. It served as a powerful reminder of the diverse abilities within our school and the broader community.

Looking ahead, we are excited to host KHS parent-teacher interviews on May 29 for Years 10, 11, and 12, and on June 12 for Years 7, 8, and 9. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to engage with teachers and discuss student progress and aspirations.

As a reminder, our no mobile phone policy remains in place to ensure that all students are fully engaged with their learning. We believe this fosters a focused and productive environment. We are looking forward to a productive, safe, and enjoyable Term 2 for all, and we appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school community!