Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been another busy few weeks and we are over the half way mark of the term. Students are working hard and we have seen so many wonderful achievements.
Last week we had our Anglicare Sleepout for Homelessness at the Optus Stadium. We had an increase in students that participated with a total of 17 students. Rev James, Mrs Watts, Mrs Tearle and myself spent time hearing the challenges for many people faced with homelessness in WA as well as sleeping out rough all night in the cold. Students then participated in activities that helped them understand first hand the difficulties faced by homelessness. Our students raised over $4,500 which will go towards the Anglicare Homelessness Support. I was extremely proud of them for the positive difference they have made by giving up their time and raising funds for this important initiative. Well done.
Late last week I announced that after an extensive recruitment search, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Shane Parnell as the new Deputy Principal at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, effective January 2025. Shane’s role will support me as Principal and will provide additional support to our Heads of School across Halls Head Primary, Meadow Springs Primary and Meadow Springs Secondary Campus.
Shane joins us with an extensive background in education, leadership and pastoral care having served in various leadership roles including Head of Operations at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School, Acting Chief Operating Officer as well as his current position as Director of Technology at the Anglican Schools Commission. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
We are excited about the positive impact Shane will have on our school and look forward to his contributions. Stay tuned over coming months where you will get to meet and welcome Shane to our school community.
We have plenty of events still to enjoy this term so remember to stay up-to-date through our School App. We also, have our School TV through our App (Links section) and Wellbeing page on our website which provides a lot of parenting resources and videos to help you in the important role of parenting. It is a challenging world so we all need as much support as possible in raising our young people and this resource is for our parents.
God bless
Tracey Gray
Principal
New 2025 Deputy Principal Introduction
What inspires you in your professional life?
Schools are inspiring places. As educators we are given a precious opportunity to impact the lives of the students we teach and interact with, on a daily basis. I am inspired when I see people striving to do the best they can and achieving their goals. I am also inspired by the wonderful values our students display and their kind heartedness, inclusivity and acceptance of all.
What was it that made you want to work at Frederick Irwin Anglican School?
Being part of the Anglican Schools Commission has meant that I have been able to watch Frederick Irwin Anglican School grow and thrive under the leadership of Tracey Gray. A school's culture is a crucial ingredient for success, I feel that Frederick Irwin Anglican School has a wonderful, inclusive culture that I wanted to be part of. Also, the School has a very exciting future ahead of it and I want to be part of that future and help the School continue to grow and develop.
What are you most excited about in starting at Frederick Irwin Anglican School in 2025?
I have a passion for pastoral care in schools and want to ensure that all staff and students are supported to overcome their challenges and to be aspirational. I see Frederick Irwin Anglican School as a school where I can make a positive impact on the lives of all in the community, and l am excited to meet all the staff, students, and their families next year.
A bit more about me...
I grew up in Rockingham and I am married to Kathryn, who is a Head of Mathematics and Assistant Deputy Principal. We have a daughter, Taylor, and a son Lachlan, who attends Peter Carnley Anglican Community School. We also have a dog named Archie.