🔹Principal’s Update

A Bright Start to a Busy Week

Dear colleagues,

It’s great to see the sun shining as we begin another busy week. This morning, I met with the Succession Planning Project Board, where we reviewed all the critical roles identified by heads of support and curriculum areas. We are now moving into Stage Three of the project, and a communication will be shared at the end of this week with further details and guidance.

Thank you to the Heads of area who met the submission deadline of Friday, 30 May.

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🏫 Key Meetings and Developments 

This week, I have our regular liaison meeting with Highlands and Hautlieu School. I anticipate considerable discussion around the Oakfield build and its impact on parking. We previously allocated the top car park to the school in 2017–2018 to support student parking. However, with the Oakfield Sports Centre now being used more widely by islanders, we expect some pressure on the site.

Tomorrow, I’ll attend the Special Advisor Group for Education meeting at Government Headquarters on Union Street. Kate Hobbs and I have also been planning the recruitment of a new Head of University College Jersey, who we hope will join us next term. We’ve already received expressions of interest and are confident in attracting a high-quality candidate.

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📊 Strategic Focus and Innovation

At this week’s Senior Leadership Team meeting, we’ll be:

• Monitoring project milestones and completions
• Analysing themes from the Progression Boards for Sixth Form and UCJ
• Participating in an AI workshop with Rebecca Stevenson, our Digital Specialist Lead

I’m particularly excited about exploring how AI can reduce administrative burdens and allow us to focus more on high-value tasks.

Last week, I met with Tom Holvey, Chief Economist for the Island of Jersey. I’m hopeful that the Economy Department will take the lead on a skills development plan, which is vital to the island’s economic and social well-being. The College will play a key role in shaping and delivering this plan.

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📅 Events This Week

 You’ll notice several important events on the calendar:

• Mathematics IGCSE Examination
• Hair and Beauty Wella Industry Evening
• Life in Finance Event
• Access Course Open Evening – aimed at informing adult learners about this pathway into Higher Education

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🎭 Celebrating Success

 Congratulations to the Creative Arts Department for their fantastic showcase event last week!

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🧠 Supporting Students Through Assessments

As we enter the final assessment period for full-time students, we know anxiety and stress levels may rise—for both students and staff. Let’s continue to encourage our learners to persevere and remind them of the pride they’ll feel knowing they gave it their all.

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“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman