Friday the 21st of June 2024 passed into history at precisely when the aged clock stuck midnight and then the mid-year break commenced with some degree of clarity. I know that many schools have three weeks, though I’m a fan of the four week break, particularly when it’s hard to attract staff to the Territory. It is a welcome benefit that can be offered and is a useful time for long camps and expeditions.

Of course it is a watershed in the year for Principals and an opportunity to reflect on what might be termed the first semester. Prime of place in this reflection, I believe, should be positive achievements that have been made during this time. And when they have been identified they should be mentally celebrated by a Principal perhaps with a good friend/colleague. Positives breed positives, provide hope and encouragement and can too often be blinded by negatives.

As I read about the histories of our schools I’m always impressed with the volume of volunteer work that has and continues to have a constructive effect on the schools. This last weekend, at St Philips, we celebrated 60 years since the first volunteer Work Parties came, in 1964, to finish the College ready for the opening of St Philips as a Residential College for Outback Children. The children were to live at St Philips and attend the various schools in town. There were 5 work parties, one after the other, bringing almost 300 people who were volunteers, keen to help complete the College for opening. They paid their own travel and contributed to their keep and did a mighty job, transforming the new buildings into a delightful campus suitable for students. One of the volunteers was a farmer from Shepparton who was responsible for grading the oval. Keen to come he asked his wife if that was OK. She said it was, so long as he gave up smoking - and he did! Some years ago he came on another Work Party and I was thrilled to meet him.

In my time at St Philips, which became a school in 1989, the Work Parties from the Greensborough Uniting Church commenced. The year was 1992. It broadened out to include many other volunteers. Bar one year, which was during COVID, these Work Parties have contributed continuously for over 30 years, and their contribution has been immense. One maintenance person I had, years ago, said, sincerely mystified, “How come these people come here and do all this work for nothing?” Well they believe that as volunteers they can make a difference to our Outback Kids by contributing in a wonderful way to their education. So they are happy to share their many skills to help. Some Work Party members have come back 30 times! The practical help through this volunteering is remarkable. How powerful is it when volunteers know they can make a real difference.

As Principals I encourage you to use some of this break to really help “recharge your batteries” ready for the second half of the year. Flat batteries are unhelpful! 

Written by Chris Tudor