a presentation for the Presbyterian Church of NSW, THE SCOT S SCHOOL & ALL SAINTS’ COLLEGE

WHO IS JOHN WEEKS? School educator with over 40 years of teaching and leading. Founding Head of Hunter Valley Grammar School 1989-1997 Headmaster of The Illawarra Grammar School 1997-2003 Headmaster of Knox Grammar School 2004-2018 Co-Founder of Positive Education Schools Association (PESA) Co-Founder of Australian Positive Psychology Learning Institute (APPLI) Founder of Research Institute for Purposeful Professional Learning (RIPPL)

WHAT IS MY ROLE? Appointed by the church to assist with the merger of two schools to form a school of unrivalled excellence in regional NSW. Assist in determining the structure and staffing of the new school Chair the selection panel for all roles of responsibility determined for the new school for its commencement. Assist the new Leadership team into their appointed roles. Other duties as determined.

QUESTION ONE What do you think your school does well and we should continue to do more of in the New School? Key Takeaways Pastoral care Broad range of educational opportunities for students

QUESTION TWO What are the most outstanding moments/stories from your schools past that make you most proud to be associated with the school? Key Takeaways Academic excellence is the goal

QUESTION THREE What should be preserved about your school’s values, tradition and best practice? Key Takeaways Students pastoral care Pride in achievements, values Christian Mission

QUESTION FOUR What is the most positive significant outcome the New School could ever hope to achieve? Key Takeaways We are ambitious for a great school, noted for academic excellence. We want high quality teaching We see increased opportunity for students.

QUESTION FIVE What structures and resources do you think are needed for the New School to succeed? Key Takeaways More resources, especially ICT Improved facilities Professional development A strong leadership team

ADVANTAGE OF THE MERGER Outstanding human resources Expanded opportunities for students subject choice co-curricula opportunities resources boarding opportunities Opportunity through scale to quickly add value to students’ educational development through innovative programs. Significantly improved specialist educational programs P-12. i.e. music, sports, drama, ITC, STEM Amazing, unequalled teaching/learning facilities

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION Teacher professional Learning Centre. Student Wellbeing system based on the science and learnings from positive psychology Leading edge educational programs around STEM education approaches. An educational journey, academically, physically, socially and emotionally supported by the distinctive challenges enhanced by locations and activities. A Regional Centre for educational innovation and excellence

FUTURE FOCUSED…FUTURE READY Student relationships Staff collegiality Year 11 & 12, 2018 Student structures academic student wellbeing programs student support services co-curricular + Staff structures leadership teams positions of responsibility teaching teams professional development

John Weeks Founder john_weeks@outlook.com