Dear Friends,

Welcome to Wirreanda High School. Our web page provides an opportunity for you to see some of the programs and activities that reflect the culture, innovations and directions of our school. We invite you to fully explore the various sections displayed on the site and if you would like further information, or if you would like to visit our school, please contact our Community Liaison Officer, Ms Sue Bogumil at school on ph 832 97259. We would be delighted to meet you.

Wirreanda is celebrating its 30th Year Anniversary in 2007 and we are looking forward to the many special events that we have planned for the year. These include our extra special Open Day which will be held on Sunday May 20th and which will include a program for prospective students and families that will combine with a formal ceremony in the afternoon for past scholars, teachers and principals. It promises to be a wonderful celebration of our proud history and an opportunity to look to our exciting and progressive future. We hope to see you there.

Wirreanda is a specialist sport school. It is one of only two state secondary schools with this specialization.
This means that Wirreanda has a record of high-level achievement in this area and is regarded as a school that has the capacity to deliver quality sports programs.
We currently offer 8 specialist sports in our specialist sports course which is offered to select students in Years 8-10. Students apply for entry to our sports course and are selected on the basis of skill, aptitude and attitude.
If you are interested in learning more about our sports program, please contact the Specialist Sport Administration Coordinator, Mrs Heather Lee at school on ph 8329 7230.

Our focus over the next few years is expansive and exciting. We are committed to building on past strengths and providing an education program that is comprehensive, engaging, and relevant.
We already cater for multiple career pathways, including a strong focus on the academic, trades (and vocational), arts and technology pathways.
Our key priorities for 2007-2009 are:
Student Learning
1. Developing ‘A Culture of Achievement’ with a clear focus on students achieving their personal best.
2. Individual Learning Plans (for all students)
3. Commitment to regular and relevant homework/study
4. Introducing Round Table Assessments for Year 9 and exams at year 10 ( trial year).
5. Regular reading/reflection/study time each Tuesday morning across the school.

Teachers Professional Development/Learning
1. A new performance development model including shared practice and an individual professional learning program.
2. Clear and consistent approach to student behaviour management.
3. A staff well being program that focuses on personal/professional health.
4. Collaborative and democratic decision-making processes.

School Culture
1. Exploring an international school standards accreditation process that involves all aspects of the school’s operations. We intend to spend 2007 in preparation for an application process that will begin in 2008 (if accepted).
2. Finalising our professional partnerships with major state sports associations.
3. Continuing to build and develop our professional partnerships and shared practice with our feeder primary schools.
4. Strengthening ‘student voice’ across all levels of schooling and encouraging wider participation in school/community leadership, decision-making, volunteering and community work.

These are just some of the directions and initiatives that Wirreanda is working on in 2007.

At the foundation of all that we do, however, is a commitment to building a school community that is happy, safe and respectful.

Yours sincerely,

Jenny Sommer
Principal