Dear Windsor Community,         

Many of your recent news feeds may have included opinions and statistics about educational outcomes, teachers in the state school system, and care of children. Some of these stories can be difficult or even discouraging to read.

As your principal I want my voice to be as loud as your newsfeed. And what I say evidenced through your children’s learning experiences at Windsor.

At our school, your local state school, we have teachers who arrive each day armed with professionalism, positivity and a work ethic that any principal would be proud of. Our teachers, teacher aides, admin and ancillary staff show up for your children but stay because of our strong school culture and community that has been established and maintained over many years.  Regardless of measures, your child’s next step is our priority. We do very well but we always strive to do better.

We know that explicit instruction works and we know that relationships and a sense of belonging trump everything. We know that growing creativity and divergent thinking through the arts and languages matter. We know that playing structured and unstructured games and team sports matter. We know that dedicating time to teaching personalised and social behaviours is important and an ongoing nuanced piece of work for the developing child’s brain.

Why am I writing this? It is because I want a good news story out there about education, the teaching profession and the care of children and I believe that Windsor State School is a good news story!

I lead with optimism, believing that the more positive stories we tell about education and teaching, the more hopeful and secure our children will feel. Recently, I heard Owen Eastwood say, “Our classrooms are the last great place.” He shared this with the hope of inspiring schools and teachers to keep moving forward—and I think he’s right.

Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. Our role is to provide seven years of learning, opportunity, and growth, alongside a strong connection to family, culture, and community. Together, that is what makes Windsor such a special place.

Inspiration for our students

Ongoingly at Windsor, we strive to offer our students opportunities. This week our Year 6 students were offered the rare opportunity to meet with and hear from Li Cunxin AO, author of Mao’s Last Dancer, and world-wide inspiration to many. Li’s story is one of adversity and inner strength, with his messaging to students a powerful one. Please read the year 6 students’ reflections further along in the newsletter to hear more

Our year 5 students, and future school leaders, also had the same opportunity to meet with Li Cunxin but also to hear from Mindset Coach, Speaker, Olympian (and Windsor mum), Anna-Liza Mopio Jane. https://www.annalizamopiojane.com/

Both speakers responded to some very well-prepared student questions and offered our students valued insights and advice. We are so lucky to have had this opportunity to meet both Li and Anna-Liza and to hear their perspective on leading and success. More photos and student thoughts are shared within the newsletter.