Principal's Message

Hello everyone and welcome to the final edition of our newsletter for term 3. Throughout the term a number of significant events took place. Firstly in week 4 we had our four year external School Review that was conducted by Ms Aderyn Chatterton, Regional Director Darwin and Ms Anne White, Director School Improvement. The team spent three days at the school looking at current school processes, seeking feedback from key stakeholders and speaking with both staff and students. The final report presented us with some fantastic commendations, great affirmations and a list of key recommendations that we will use to shape our new NTSDE three year Strategic Improvement Plan.
In week 4 we also held the first of two Residential Programs for our Year 10 and 11 dependent students. The week was very successful and the students certainly benefitted from another opportunity to work in a face to face environment with their teachers. In week 7 we had our Year 12 Completers Residential School where those students who are potential NTCET completers spend a week finalising their assessments and where necessary preparing for final examinations. Again the students applied themselves well and left feeling more confident that they will be able to successfully complete their studies in November. You can read more about both these events in this edition of the newsletter.
My Principal Review also took place during week 7 and the final report will provide me with recommendations on improving my performance moving forward over the next four years. A sincere thank you to all members of the NTSDE community who willingly participated in both the School and then my Principals Review. Your input was a very important as part of the ongoing development of whole school improvement processes.
Our annual School Survey has concluded and the results are very positive. A larger number of students participated this year and their feedback will also contribute to improving our processes into the future. Thank you to all students, parents and teachers who participated in this year's survey.
Special congratulations to three of our year 10 students Ebonnie Lockwood, Brody Mathews and Hunter Torr all of whom have had significant success across a number of national competitions this term. It's wonderful to see our students holding their own on the national stage. Well done! You can read more about which awards the students have received further on in the newsletter.
As we move into the final break of the year I would encourage all students to take some time to look at the work that will need to be completed over the course of term 4. This final term is always a busy term for students as the end of year assessments are due and final tests and examinations conducted. I would also encourage all students to be sure to attend weekly lessons and make contact with their teachers when experiencing any difficulties with their course work. Seeking help sooner rather than later often means successful completion of both assessment tasks and overall courses completion.
Finally I would like to wish all students and staff a restful and relaxing break and I look forward to welcoming those students who are completing their studies with us this year at our annual Graduation Evening on Friday 24th November.
Ms Marcia Harvey
Principal |