This School Leadership Information note is both a welcome and a farewell. On Friday 19 June Mr Jeff Capell visited the school for a brief orientation prior to taking up duty to begin Semester II on Monday 13 July 2009. Jeff was well received by many students and staff and Jim Fahey/President of P&C. He is currently the Principal of the Taroom Prep-10 school and has a curriculum background specialising in Maths, Science and Physical Education.
Mr Bill Sperring
A/Principal - Sem 1/2009
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Mr Jeff Capell
A/Principal - Sem II/2009
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Mr Capell easily conversed with students and when he asked various students to say what was great about Ayr State High School, some of the responses were:
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Mr Capell summed up his experiences on his visit;
“My impression of Ayr State High School is certainly a positive one and during my time with the well respected Mr Sperring I observed;
- Students engaged in learning; some fantastic art work, science discussions and enjoyable HPE lessons.
- Students conversing with adults. Reasonable and responsible responses to questions and queries about Ayr State High School and their own personal experiences.
- Students being friendly, polite and welcoming.
- Being approached in a mature manner because of genuine curiosity and using greetings and farewells that made all comfortable.”
He also stated what he was looking towards the future;
“I look forward to working with all students, parents and community members during Semester 2 and possibly beyond to continue the fabulous work that all staff have engaged in during Semester I/2009.”
Mr Capell has learned many things about the climate and culture of the school and the many great achievements. He has youth and capacity on his side to continue the good work. I know that you will make him welcome.
As A/Principal for Semester I/2009 I have been impressed with the very great majority of quality students at Ayr State High School. The leadership of the School Captains/Vice Captains and other senior leaders have encouraged others to participate, to achieve and to be proud of their achievements. At the same time the activities of the minority groups who do not want to participate and/or be destructive to the teaching/learning process have been challenged. They have been dealt with according to Education Queensland standards for the good of the majority.
Likewise I have been impressed with the quality of the staff and their willingness and determination to professionally work hard and help return Ayr State High School to be a good school and for the school to have a very positive reputation in the community. The teachers and the support staff have worked as a team for the wellbeing of all students. In this rebirth of Ayr State High School I would like to recognise the very good work of the Senior Leaders Team (SLT) and especially the members of the Senior Administration Team during my time as A/Principal; Ms Andrea Aleksic (D/P), Mrs Lesley Olsen (D/P), Mrs Priscilla Lee (BSM), and Mr Andrew Ballin (A/DP) for the last 6 weeks. Mrs Olsen will return from leave to begin Semester II. In saying thanks to many support staff I would especially like to mention the great General Office team who have helped the Senior Administration team and myself in particular on a day to day basis.
As I leave to return to the retirement phase of my life, I have many fond, personal and professional memories from our time of working together. The future of Ayr State High School is in good hands and Mr Capell will continue and lead the good work of all into the future. Best wishes always.
Yours sincerely
Mr W (Bill) Sperring
A/Principal – Semester I/2009
