Principal's Message Week 3 Term 3

I haven’t had a speeding fine for quite a few years. However, on my daily commute to work, I often see the police radar gun held aloft in the school zone, and then the pointed finger to the offending driver signalling to pull over. This only means one thing: the driver has been caught speeding. While the officers are dealing with said speeding driver, the rest of us get to continue on our way. Some of these folks are also speeding. But they got lucky and got to drive on.

We don’t all get caught all the time. Imagine the offending driver appealing to the police officer with a “but what about all the others who are speeding?” I’m sure this plea changes nothing in the eyes of the police officer!

Sometimes we “get away with it”. Other times we get caught. That’s life. I guess if we do the right thing, we need not worry about what “everyone else” is doing or getting away with.

I like the immediate feedback that is provided when I’m driving in a particular speed zone with the offer of a smiley face or the red-sad face: informing me that I am either doing the right thing or exceeding the speed limit. I adjust accordingly if the latter is the case!

There are all sorts of rules in a civilised society that apply to everyone. We might not like them all, and we also may disagree with some of them. Notwithstanding, we still need to comply, and we will be held accountable for the choices we make if we flout or ignore the rules. Usually, the rules are there to protect all of us; in the name of the common good.

Life can sometimes seem unfair. There is opportunity to reframe this! If I know the rules of engagement, and take them seriously, there will be no unfairness. If I choose to ignore them, I take my chances! If I get caught, it is pointless to worry about who didn’t. The bottom line is, I got caught, and I pay the penalty.

Don’t speed this week. Let’s also encourage our children to take responsibility for themselves, their actions, and the choices they make. And to abide by the rules. They are there for all of us.

Road Safety Education

You may have seen this story shared on our social media channels last term. Our Year 11 students participated in the RYDA Road Safety Workshop, a dynamic full-day program delivered by Road Safety Education (RSE).

Through a series of interactive, scenario-based sessions led by expert facilitators, students examined real-world road situations and developed the awareness, decision-making skills and sense of responsibility essential for becoming safe and confident road users, both as drivers and passengers.

The workshop encouraged students to reflect on the choices they make and the impact those choices can have on their own safety and the wellbeing of others. This message aligns strongly with the important reminder shared by Principal Dr Wattam today, that making responsible decisions, looking out for one another and understanding the consequences of our actions are vital life skills both on and off the road.

The RYDA program provided valuable insights and practical strategies that will help our students become safer, more informed and more responsible members of the community.

The RYDA Program is one of the many initiatives led by the ATC Formation Team.

Dr Craig Wattam

College Principal

DISCOVERY TOUR

Join us for a Discovery Tour on Thursday 27 August, 9am to 10.30am and see ATC in action! Meet College Principal Dr Craig Wattam, connect with staff and students, and explore our state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Experience the energy of a boys’ school and see how our outstanding educators inspire hard work, motivation, and a love of learning. Discovery Tour: Book Here