25 May 2021
This will be my final Deputy Principal’s report for Port Hacking High School for 2021. Next week I take up a new (and exciting) opportunity with the Department of Education’s School Leadership Institute as a Leadership Adviser, supporting school leaders across NSW in their development, and continuing my own learning. Initially, it is a six month position, but it may extend into 2022, so I’d like to share a few thoughts before I go…
It has been my privilege to serve the Port Hacking family – students, parents and staff – and I have learned much from my time here as a member of our school leadership team.
To the students of Port, I remind you to continue to strive for your personal best. Maintain those high expectations of yourselves, and you will continue to rise, to become the best you can be, in whatever you pursue. Remember that mistakes are opportunities to learn, and never stop learning. That means never stop making mistakes. Set audacious goals and strive towards them. And keep that moral compass to guide your decision-making, with empathy in your hearts, kindness in your actions, respect in your interactions, and the courage to speak up when you know that’s the right thing to do.
To the parents and carers of Port, and the P&C, thank you for your collaboration as we have worked together to support your children. To those of you who I have got to know, I have appreciated your open communication, your feedback, and the positive approach of teamwork that you’ve brought to our conversations.
To my colleagues, thank you for welcoming me to your school community, which has become my community, too. I have learned much from our professional dialogue, and your expertise. I have valued your commitment to your craft, and to our students and their learning. We all know that a school is a workplace like no other, united as we are by our motivation to make a difference to young lives. Every day is different, and every challenge is an adventure. I have valued your support alongside me through the challenges we have faced together (let’s not mention Covid) and our achievements as we have worked so hard to ensure that our students have the best opportunities possible.
I truly believe that we rise by lifting others (as Maya Angelou so beautifully says). Keep lifting together!
Until we meet again, Port!
LISA EDWARDS – DEPUTY PRINCIPAL