Principal’s
ll e w aF re
New subjects have been introduced at all levels, notably Dance in Years 5–8, and also new VCE courses. Professional Learning for teachers has focused on an evidence-based approach to continuous school improvement, ensuring the detailed tracking of students learning for growth.
As I farewell Korowa, it is an opportunity to reflect on my time as the School’s ninth Principal. With the support of School Council, and the energy of a hardworking and driven Leadership Team, staff and students, we have been able to achieve so much. Over the past six years, the School has not only grown in numbers, but also in the range of subjects, programs and co-curricular offering available. The Sports and Wellbeing Centre is nearing completion and will open in Term 2 this year. This outstanding facility provides integrated facilities for leisure, fitness, sport, dance and performing arts, along with beautiful social spaces and counselling and health centre support services to ensure our students can thrive. This project is the culmination of several years of hard work and brings to life our vision for an education that offers so much more for girls. The past six years has seen a whole Junior School transformation, with the Learning Commons, new art room, repurposed Prep classroom and new enlarged spaces for Years 5 and 6. The versatile and purpose-built ELC and Junior School playground have become a favourite space for the whole school. Over the summer break, work commenced on the Junior School Science Room. Korowa will provide specialist teaching for Science in Years 5 and 6, and further develop our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programs. The Science Room will also allow all classes P–6 to engage in cooking and food studies as part of our Kitchen Garden program.
New frameworks for teaching have prioritised character education at all levels through the Circle, Community and Crew programs, providing skills for emotional and social education in a structured format that encourages student voice, goal setting, positive engagement in social issues and an active approach to team work. We have taken a rigorous approach to curriculum development and high-impact teaching strategies to result in positive academic achievement for all students. The Korowa Expedition Learning Programs are a culmination of a student-centred focus on authentic learning. Most importantly the Korowa spirit has remained strong throughout all the recent challenges of living through a pandemic. While we adapted to life lived online and learning through screen interactions, we came to appreciate the small everyday interactions that brought real joy in tough times. Sometimes just seeing a friend in the park was enough to turn an ordinary day into the best. But the most joy was on the days when we could finally return to school. Who ever thought we could be so happy! All of this contributes to the measure of the character that we will develop and no doubt this will contribute to future success and a life lived well. These factors also define the Korowa spirit; one of courage, service and a genuine care for others. Over my last few weeks at Korowa, I was acknowledged and thanked, but everything is only possible because of the staff, students and Korowa community working together. We were a great team and this has been a wonderful community. I will forever remain grateful for the confidence the School Council placed in me to serve Korowa as its ninth Principal. It has been a privilege and a joy to have been part of this outstanding School. Helen Carmody Principal
3
