Principal's Notes
Welcome to the latest edition of the School Newsletter!
At the time of writing, we have already reached the halfway mark of Term One. In the first five weeks of Term there has already been two swimming carnivals, four Year level camps, auditions for Aladdin Junior and Dance Troupe, the Year 12 Ball, several Parent Information Evenings, CAS Sport, Blessing of the Leavers’ Jackets, not to mention weekly Chapel services and sub-school assemblies. While it has been a busy start, it has also been a very positive one with students settling into class routines and meeting new friends and staff members.
The Commissioning of Chaplain Jean-Pierre Schroeder
On Tuesday 28 February I was delighted to formally congratulate Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder on his commissioning as Senior Chaplain at an event in the Allan Shaw Centre. The commissioning was presided over by The Right Reverend Kate Wilmot, Assistant Bishop of Perth. We also welcomed special guests The Venerable Tony Drayton, Archdeacon of Perth and The Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Officer of the Anglican Schools Commission. Students from Year 5 through to Year 12 were also in attendance.
Reverend Jean-Pierre commenced as our Senior Chaplain in July 2021, having faithfully served our community as Chaplain since April 2017. In the normal course of events, the School’s Senior Chaplain would be officially commissioned no more than a few months following their initial appointment. However, due to the timing of his appointment, challenges with Covid restrictions and several other factors, the commissioning of Reverend Jean-Pierre as Senior Chaplain was unfortunately delayed.
The official commissioning of Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder as Senior Chaplain is a significant moment in the life of our school. It is a chance to formalise and congratulate Reverend Jean-Pierre on the important work he is already doing in our school community. From supporting, and promoting Christian Faith within the School, and providing pastoral support to students, staff, and parents, through to leading Chapel services, and teaching classes of Christianity, Religion and Life in the Secondary School, Reverend Jean-Pierre is a busy and hard working member of our school community. We look forward to many more years of love and support from Reverend Jean-Pierre
ChatGPT
You are no doubt aware that the topic of ChatGPT access in schools is being widely discussed in education circles and in the media. Peter Moyes Anglican Community School is adopting a cautious approach and has restricted student access to ChatGPT in the short term. This decision is in line with other age-restricted websites and applications which require users to be over 18.
While student access to ChatGPT will initially be restricted at school, teachers have been encouraged to use it as a tool to support learning and assessment. There is no doubt that ChatGPT and other similar technology has the potential to be a valuable tool for creating resources and facilitating learning, however we must remain vigilant of potential challenges for the assessment process, particularly take-home assignments. I will continue to keep families updated as we explore options for this rapidly evolving technology.
Parents and Friends Association
The annual AGM for the Parents and Friends Association was held on Wednesday 15 February. It was wonderful to see so many new faces, and some familiar ones, at the first meeting. On the night, the committee for 2023 was established and I am pleased to report that Mrs Kylie Roemermann is the new President. The P & F is already planning for some key events in 2023 including an Outdoor Movie Night, Quiz Night, and Primary School Colour Run, in addition to the usual assortment of events. I am so very grateful to the parents who give of their time voluntarily to enhance our School community and look forward to seeing parents at various events across the year.
As always, please keep an eye on the School App and our Facebook Page for the latest news as the School year gains post-Covid momentum in the weeks and months ahead.
Every Blessing.
Benjamin Lomas
PRINCIPAL