6 minute read
Welcome from the Acting Principal
Rob Taylor Acting Principal
2020 has been a year like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated global events, although there is no doubt we have been extremely fortunate to have been less affected here in Australia — and even less so in WA. While we may not currently have high rates of infection, the tentacles of impact are still widespread — be they economic or personal — and the effects are with us, or very nearby. Who knows when this will be over? Perhaps we will need to adjust to a new normal; many before us have faced challenges and have looked to their personal compass to navigate a way forward in the face of all kinds of adversity.
Although the experience of living with COVID-19 this year provided its challenges, it also delivered its own lessons to our community and has made many of us focus far more acutely on those things that are most important to us. The question I posed to our Leavers of 2020 was this — “What will be the enduring values or beliefs that you will live your life by and look to when times are both good and not so good? What are the values that will define you as a person, that will endure and remain constant long after school achievements, results and ATARs have faded?” They may not be evident to our newest graduates yet but, through the life experiences that lie ahead, they will become apparent. Penrhosians are all thoughtful, capable women, with the compass of our College values to refer to and our community always here for them; our 2020 Leavers have the love and support of family, and friendships all around — each should be incredibly confident about the future that awaits her… and the world is a better place because she is in it. We look forward to a fresh start in 2021 with some big changes ahead. Particularly, we will welcome the seventh Principal of Penrhos College, Kalea Haran, who is scheduled to arrive with her family in Perth just in time to see in the new year — you can read more about Kalea on page 6.
We will open the new Science Innovation Centre to students at the beginning of the year, and we will also hold a naming ceremony for the building in Term 1 in honour of Penrhos' sixth Principal Meg Melville. I would like to thank the many generous members of our community who have so kindly donated to our new state-of-the-art flagship facility, whether through sponsorship of plaques on the giant Periodic Table which will grace two floors of the main central space, to taking the naming rights of labs and flexible learning spaces.
Among the many other events we look forward to are the launch of the new Library and Digital Literacy department, designed to enhance the Library as a future-focused epicentre of information that better connects our Junior and Secondary schools; also, the implementation of our highly-anticipated Education Management System, Compass.
My sincere thanks to the College Council, Parent Support Groups, teachers, staff and broader community for the year that was 2020; especially, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation for your support during my time as Acting Principal. We look to 2021 with great optimism and anticipation, as we embark on a new chapter in the life of Penrhos.
My 2021 vision: bold, kind and true
Kalea Haran Incoming Principal
When I first became a teacher, in 1999, I wrote my first philosophy of education statement. Twenty-one years later, as I look forward to joining Penrhos as Principal, these words are still the foundation of what I believe education stands for:
I have always believed that school should be a challenging adventure that creates excitement and happiness; this is why I chose to join Penrhos. I see our College as a free and open environment, where girls can support each other as they explore who they are and who they want to be. Penrhos is a community where girls have a sense of belonging and lifelong friendships are made. I look forward to becoming a part of this unique community. I would like to recognise Meg Melville, who led the school magnificently for the 10 years prior to July 2020, building a strong sense of community and excellent academic standards. Also, Rob Taylor, who has taken stewardship in Semester 2 — I would like to personally thank him for his support in facilitating a strong transition.
In my first few months at Penrhos, I will be doing a lot of listening and observing. I look forward to meeting you all and having an opportunity to understand your needs. Students, teachers, staff, parents, Council and alumni all make the Penrhos community what it is — you are all connected, and you all have a voice. I look forward to becoming a part of the Penrhos conversation.
I value Penrhos’ holistic approach to learning; the aim of developing the whole student, the approach that builds confidence and curiosity in our girls. The Penrhos whole person paradigm is founded in our shared appreciation of the need to nurture the mind, heart, body and spirit of each and every student.
As Principal of Penrhos, I will continue to create a nurturing environment where we encourage girls to become extraordinary women; to ignite the power of their inner dragon and to strive for the highest.
I see Penrhos as a place where our girls are encouraged to be:
Bold Kind, and True.
This is how I envision a Penrhos girl:
Her Mind: a Penrhos girl is a creative thinker. She is innovative and future-facing. As a change agent, she uses her knowledge to look at new solutions. She is a trailblazer, a rebel. She aims to advance society, shape a new reality and improve our future world.
Her Heart: a Penrhos girl is passionate; she is energetic, curious and has a love of life. She is always looking for possibilities. She knows she has the power to influence change and is not afraid to challenge the status quo. She is happy, optimistic and resilient. She shows courage and tenacity as she works hard to achieve her dreams.
Her Body: a Penrhos girl is balanced. She is confident in her uniqueness. She is willing to harness opportunities, try new things and achieve her best. She is an original.
Her Spirit: a Penrhos girl is kind and strong. She shows empathy and respect. She celebrates diversity and stands for empowerment, for herself and others. She will not be a bystander; she speaks up and will fight injustice. She protects what she believes is true.
Kalea Haran with husband Werner, Leo (2yo) and Sebastian (9yo)
We are blessed at Penrhos to have such dedicated and passionate teachers who create an environment of belonging and acceptance for our girls; this develops their understanding of their self-worth, self-esteem and overall happiness. Through looking after our girls’ wellbeing, we can expect to promote engagement in the classroom and excellent academic results.
Overall, my goal is to work with our teachers, staff, parents and alumni to unleash our girls’ potential, so they can leave us as balanced, inspired, and resilient young adults. We want our graduates to believe they can do good in the world and to have the confidence to make it happen.
Our extraordinary young women will leave us:
Bold – standing up for justice Kind – protecting and serving others True – having integrity and empathy
In closing, I thank you for welcoming me to your community and in anticipation of your future support. I am excited to be joining Penrhos and look forward to spending time with you all in the coming months and years ahead.
