I would like to thank and acknowledge the wonderful support parents and the wider community have provided this year to the students and the school.  Whether this be attending school events, completing surveys, providing timely feedback, hosting work placement students and caring for their child and others, it all makes a difference.  At this time of the year it is important to be thankful for what we do have and cherish the opportunities living in Australia provides.

I would like to also commend our students, especially for the mature way in which they provided feedback on the mobile phone policy development and how they conducted themselves during the trial day.  We can all go into next year confident that we can support students identify when and when not to access their mobile phone.

There is a lot of planning going on currently in preparation for next year and a number of significant changes.  These include:

• A change to a five period day with each period 64 minutes and 30 minute breaks after period 2 and 4.
• A new information tool and communication mechanism called COMPASS being implemented. There will be parents session early in term one and on line advice on how to use this App based tool.
• A revised school dress code policy with more flexibility for parents to purchase plain black “bottoms” as well as school logo items from the uniform shop. The new jacket will be warmer and there will be a shop in Albany with longer opening hours to support families.
• The introduction of flexi classes for senior school outdoor education and marine studies students to enable extended practical time.
• An advocacy period for all senior school students to support well-being, study skill development, career information and pathway planning.

As well as planning for next year, we are sadly preparing to farewell a number of staff members.  One significant retiree is Mr Greg Cook HOLA of Maths.  Greg has been part of the fabric of ASHS for 37 years providing leadership in maths, caring for every student in his classes, being a stalwart of country week, as the Girls Soccer coach and so much more.  He will be missed.  We wish him all the best for a happy and fulfilling retirement.