Reflections
Congratulations Carey families on a huge 2024! As the year draws to a close, we reflect on some incredible achievements from our students in the arts, the sports and of course in the academic domain, where we have seen students committing so strongly to their programs.
We have made significant progress on several fronts throughout 2024. This year we introduced a new assessment and reporting model in the Middle and Senior years, the Complex Competencies, providing more detailed insights into students’ progress. Alongside this we have developed our new relational practices wellbeing program which is supporting students across all year levels of the School. I am pleased to report that we are already seeing, through our data, reductions in levels of stress in our student cohort.
On the back of the best IB results in the state last year, we have increased numbers in our IB program for 2025, and we are supporting the breadth of student pathways with the introduction of VET Business and VET Sport Recreation and Aquatics.
This year we have also made good progress in addressing a significant need for a tech uplift. We have replaced network infrastructure, made significant advancements in cybersecurity and improved data management. We have also implemented a new HR system which is providing a better experience for staff and supporting us to respond to increasing compliance demands.
We also must acknowledge some challenging times. We understand the financial strain that our recent fee increase has caused many families in an already challenging financial landscape. We are working tirelessly behind the scenes to address the financial pressures and, importantly, to explore the opportunities that are in front of us. We have heard from the community a request for greater transparency about the School’s short- and longer-term plans. We acknowledge and understand this and will provide important updates and opportunities for parent input in the new year. I sincerely thank families for your ongoing support and partnership as we continue to balance cost pressures with our commitment to striving for excellence.
Historical abuse – resources and support
As per my letter last month, the recent allegations of historical abuse from our past have been deeply concerning. I would like to update families and our alumni that we have recently published a new page on our website that will provide resources for those affected and will be updated with the latest communications to our community. I encourage you to read more here.
2025 initiatives
Over the course of 2025 we will continue with our tech uplift and move to deliver two more major projects. Firstly, a new Financial Management System, which is on target to start integration in April 2025. Secondly, we will undertake a review of our school operations, utilising a new School Management System (SMS) to do so. The SMS will enable us to reframe and rebuild the School’s ways of working and operating systems, which will lead to a better interface with the School for parents, staff and students, and provide greater efficiency and management of student information. To support this work, Kellie Lyneham, our Head of Senior School, will be stepping aside from the day-to-day operations of the Senior School to lead this project with Director of Digital Transformation, Chee Teoh, and the ICT team.
Throughout 2025, Kellie will also be undertaking a major review of the Senior years programs at Carey, which will begin with the development of Carey’s Portrait of a Graduate – a document designed to outline the dimensions that Carey aims to cultivate in all its graduates, transcending backgrounds, interests and experiences. It will serve as a public commitment to define success through specific values, mindsets and skills, forming a framework that reflects the expectations of our school community for graduates. In addition, this portrait will act as a guide for bringing our strategic priorities to life and will provide clear goals for teaching and learning.
In support of this work, I have invited Mr Graeme Young to step into the role of Acting Head of Senior School for 2025. Graeme is no stranger to this role – he ably led the Senior School with great insights and understanding during 2020 as we navigated our way through COVID-19.
We look forward to sharing more with you as these projects progress in the new year.
Class of 2024 results
We congratulate our Year 12s on the recent completion of their final exams. They have done a remarkable job in the context of some challenging times and we are very grateful for the support that you, as families, have provided to them.
This year's International Baccalaureate (IB) results timeline is earlier than in previous years, allowing us to have the complete picture of our Class of 2024 results, across VCE and IB, available to share with families on Wednesday 18 December. I look forward to sharing these results with you then.
Thank you once again for your partnership throughout this year and your continued support. We very much look forward to 2025 and all the amazing experiences and learning opportunities to come. For now, I wish you all a wonderfully refreshing break and a very merry Christmas!
Jonathan Walter
Principal
