07 Oct 2011
The following is a letter to the school community from Dr Justin Briggs who has been appointed as the new principal at Hornsby Girls High School:
Dear parents, caregivers and students,
It is with some sadness that I write to you today to let you know that I will be leaving Galston High School at the
end of this term. I have accepted a promotion to Principal at Hornsby Girls High School. I will be commencing in
that position at the beginning of term 4. As much as I have enjoyed my time at Galston High School this was an
opportunity too good to decline. Any promotion within the DEC is not done alone. The staff of Galston High
School have helped shape me as a school leader. We have worked collaboratively on a number of projects to improve
literacy, numeracy, Quality Teaching and our programs for Gifted and Talented students. I sincerely thank
all the staff for their assistance. They are a dedicated team.
Our recent NAPLAN results for 2011 released this week showed that Galston High School students currently in
Yr 9 achieved the most growth in reading and numeracy over the last two years when compared to our local high
schools (Asquith Boys, Asquith Girls, Hornsby Girls and Normanhurst Boys). This is further evidence on top of
last year's superb HSC results that they are a great group of professionals who continually achieve excellence in
teaching. They truly care about your child's education and wellbeing and continually strive to ensure your child
can reach their potential.
Our new school Principal Mrs Tourlas has brought some excellent ideas into the school which have resulted in a
number of initiatives: greater celebration of student achievement in the HSC at a high achievers assembly, student
leadership opportunities with our local primary schools, scholarships for primary students to attend Galston
High School, a new school kitchen, enhanced links with the Bendigo Bank, school promotions and a new
school gym and dance studio for 2012. These are wonderful achievements. I would also like to acknowledge Mr
David Short and Dr Peter Harnwell our previous principals who also mentored me in my role as Deputy Principal
and provided me with excellent examples of school leadership.
I have enjoyed working with our local primary school principals as part of the Galston Community of Schools.
Our wellbeing programs are also linked with the local primary schools whose school values, respect, responsibility
and personal best are now the same as those of Galston High School. It is good for the students that we are all
using the same language to improve student learning and this has helped our current Year 7 to have a very
smooth transition to high school life.
The parents have also been so important in the school during my time. For example Mr David Byrne the President
of the P and C has great passion and enthusiasm for public education. Under his leadership the parents
have contributed their time and energy to many school working bees, social events, fund raising, Yr 7 welcome
barbeques, P and C meetings and the magnificent design and construction of the sandstone entrance. It was also
Mr Byrne's persistence and public pressure on education bureaucrats that enabled the new science fume cabinets
to be installed last year in the science labs after waiting for 34 years. If Mr Byrne had not been so persistent we
might still be waiting today. Schools function as great places of learning when parents take on these additional
roles. Thank you parents.
Thank you also to our school administration staff. They are a dedicated group of diverse workers who help to
make the school run very smoothly. I have found them to be a very happy and positive team. Thank you!
I have particularly enjoyed working with our students. Even the ones I have had to suspend on many occasions!
Like all teenagers they like to test the boundaries of what is fair and reasonable. That is part of growing up.
Mostly we are a very happy school with contented students. The bands night arranged by the SRC was a great
example of students and staff working together to create a great night. I certainly had the time of my life! Students
past and present I wish you all the best for your future.
Galston High School is a fabulous local comprehensive high school, one which the community should be proud. I
will look back on my time at our school with very fond memories of wonderful students, staff and parents.
Farewell, Justin Briggs.