Principal Communications, 22 July 2024

22 July 2024

Dear Parent and Carers

One of my goals when I took on the role of Principal five years ago was to distribute leadership widely across the staff community. Regulatory compliance practices in education are essentially hierarchical in nature and we have succeeded at Calvary in blending traditional leadership responsibilities with a widely collaborative approach to leading.

During term 3 the focus of the College Executive Leadership Team includes planning for the coming year, and this year is no different. Each year there are adjustments made to the way in which the College is staffed so that we can respond to emerging opportunities. Today I met with staff on both campuses to take them through some new leadership opportunities.

The most recent update of our formal Organisation Chart can be found here (LINK). This chart reveals that there are now two Deputy Principal positions and three Heads of School positions. This offers the potential for five people to engage in positions that provide them with additional growth and responsibility. There are also three new leadership positions in the Junior schools as I will be appointing three Heads of Stage. These roles are much like the current successful Head of Stage 4 position held by Mrs Nicky O’Donnell. 

I am very proud of the staff culture at Calvary. The commitment of our staff contributes to the stable environment for your children. Our current staff retention rate this year is 94% which is excellent. Like other schools, we have struggled with successive waves of sickness and at Calvary I am grateful for the stable relief pool who make themselves available to provide stability for our students. I would particularly mention my gratitude to staff who have retired or have taken extended leave and yet are prepared to step in when the College needs them.

There are many ways in which we seek to continue to retain valued staff. One important way is building leadership capacity among our staff and both last year and this year I have worked with small groups of teachers in workshops that centred on the application of leadership theory to our practices. Many of you will be aware that the College’s focus on building positive leaders extends from the youngest child to the oldest staff member!

In the coming weeks,  I look forward to being able to share with you the outcome of our internal recruitment process which I anticipate will be completed this term. I am sure you will join me in acknowledging the wealth of talent across our staff and the deep commitment of Calvary staff to our mission and vision. The depth of talent within our staff leaves me with no doubt that we will fill each position in a way that will benefit both the leadership team and the College community.

During our Morning / Evening with the Principal events planned for August (LINK) I will be able to share more details with you and take any questions you might have. Please remember that you are always welcome to reach out via email or a phone call if you either cannot attend or would like to connect with me at another time.

Yours sincerely

Cherylynne Gostelow