As this is my last Newsletter as I am finishing up as Co-Ordinating Principal, I would just like to reflect a little on the success of our Federated Model. For six years the three communities have worked together in a variety of ways but the connection at the Leadership level has not only enhanced each of the three school communities but also had a positive impact on student outcomes. These last two years have only highlighted the importance of individuals well-being and our model fostered that with the principals, as a trusting environment has been created that allowed each of us to be vulnerable at certain times. It is shame it will not be continuing but like all things in life we look forward knowing that St Catherine's has a fabulous Principal who over the last 6 years has modelled lifelong learning and has created a community where that is fostered.  

2021 is my 41st year in Catholic Education and my 23rd as Principal and as I leave Principalship I can say that the thing I am most proud of is the implementing of the Arrowsmith Program. It truly is life changing program and to think we have been able to give many of these children a future they were never going to have. As parents we all worry about our children  but if you had a child who you knew would really struggle in life that creates an anxiety for entire families. To be able to help those children and their families to know that they have a future now is an enormous gift.  

This quote from one of the parents of Leo who was in our first intake: For some years I thought Leo's future was narrow. 

It's difficult to look at your child and think about constructing a lifelong environment for them that is protected, thinking they will always need to be protected and they will only ever be able to manage a limited world. Now I think he has every possibility back in his own hands, the way it should be for any child. I believe Arrowsmith has given Leo the tools he needs to tackle his future.  

This reflection also talks about the cognitive change that has given these parents the child they knew they had:  

Hunter used to find the world all cotton wool and chewing gum- cloudy, sticky, a pebble in his shoe that threw off his balance. His tongue was tied with too much not knowing, so he began living on his back foot, slow to move, always on pause until others showed the way. He became an invisible boy. Then the Arrow was in his sights, and we took him onto the range, for three long years in the Arrowsmith Program he studied the art of knowing and visibility. Things changed. He moved out of the shadows, he laughed out loud before others, he learned to wink and smile at the same time, he was becoming the promise he always was, he embellished his friends and made his smile a prayer. Now he looks at words on paper and sees story, now he hears stories he will act out, on stage. He now falls into books, dives into artworks, shares his emotional bruises, creates a kite of his fears and watches them soar far away. He knows he is loved, he loves others, and between you and me, that ain’t half bad.  

It took courage from the Federated school communities to take on this innovative program and a supportive community for it to flourish for 7 years. The work of Kelli Gibbs along with the other teachers on our journey, Sean Hanrahan, Nicole Bush and Anne Marie Kolodziej cannot be underestimated, they took a risk to come on board and I know they don’t regret it for one second.  

I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Lynda as leader of this fabulous community. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 6 years here and I wish all in the community continued growth and success in the future.  

Michael Juliff Co-Ordinating Principal