Testimonials

Parent Testimonials 1

LETTER TO THE PRINCIPAL

In seeking a suitable school for our son, we were keen to find an environment where he would feel physically safe and secure, where there would be a culture of academic achievement, and where he would be able to find a niche in the environment where he would be both challenged and supported in his learning and socially.

The factors that lead us to believe that Thornbury High would meet those requirements were:

• The personally guided tour from the Principal, where he spoke directly to our son and to us, giving us his undivided attention (although we knew he had many demands on his time)
• While on the guided tour, the obvious rapport Mr Egeberg had with the senior students, knowing their names, and what their goals and interests were. We could see the potential for that to be our son's experience, also.
• The Year 7 Orientation session where the Principal clearly and unequivocally stated that there was an expectation of success at the school and that bullying or other behaviour that disrupted the learning of other students would not be tolerated.
• The culture of respect and encouragement that pervades the school when you walk through the corridors.

We have continued to find that our son is respected and valued by the teachers at the school, and that it has been a positive learning environment for him to be a part of. We are in no doubt that this is an attitude to staff and students that comes from the top and trickles down throughout the school. It is clear that Mr Egeberg's influence is transforming the culture at Thornbury High, and we are very pleased to have our son attend the school.

Parent names withheld

Parent Testimonials 2

Dear Peter,

My purpose in writing is to thank you and your school for the terrific effort the staff have made with our son Christopher. Christopher attended Thornbury High School as a Year 7 student last year, however regrettably was unable to continue on this year due to his return to Canberra. I thought, however, that I might share with you both my and my wife’s thanks for the wonderful opportunity. Christopher had to learn and develop in so many ways in the last twelve months at Thornbury.

His grades were very good and his capacity to learn was enhanced by his outstanding teachers. He enjoyed the work, enjoyed the challenges and appreciated the feedback and encouragement by all of the teaching staff.

There were some initial settling in issues which, when raised with the school, were dealt with quickly. Having arrived from an environment in Canberra where our son attended a Catholic primary school and where school action at the best of times was lethargic, you can imagine our surprise when not only any issues we had were listened to, but were also acted upon promptly and energetically by your school.

Christopher took an active role in the (then fledgling) Year 7 band, enjoyed languages, developed his art and excelled in english, maths and science. He misses the school and also the teachers. Whilst he is now attending a highly regarded private school back in Canberra, you might be interested to know that his view is that the teachers are not as good as those he had at Thornbury!

Peter, on behalf of my wife and I, and particularly on behalf of Christopher, could I thank you and the tremendous staff at Thornbury for providing our son with a great head start in his education. In particular, I would be most grateful if you could pass on Christopher’s thanks (and those of his parents) to Messrs Basso and Lee as well as Ms Lee.

With best wishes
Parent name withheld

My Transition
Choosing a secondary school is a very gruelling task. It takes research and commitment and [it] is a decision that affects your child for next 6 years of their lives. I’m Ainslee Baruhas and have just started year 7 at Thornbury High and could not think of a letter place to be! I've made many new friends, have been challenged academically and have been truly welcomed by the school community here.

In the lead up to starting high school, I was very apprehensive and sad about leaving primary school [Preston Primary] and starting this new journey. But I needn’t have worried. By the end of the first week I had already made many new friends and was loving the many aspects of high school.

On the second week we had camp. What a wonderful way to get to know our teachers and peers. The year 7 transition camp was at Cape Otway. On this camp I made many more new friends and got to know the ones I already had. The teachers made us feel welcome and comfortable with the big change that we had made. Coming from a school with many other students, and being the social person that I am, I had no worries about making friends. But for those who did come from a school with nobody, the teachers made them feel extra welcome and introduced them to many new students. The next big challenge was to apply myself academically.

I came to Thornbury from a co-ed Primary school, and was put into a co-ed high achievers class. The work is challenging yet achievable and I really love learning the new subjects and topics that the school offers. I find learning at Thornbury fun and interesting and look forward to spending the next 6 years here.

There are bullying policies put in place, that teachers act upon straight away. Because Thornbury is such a small school, there is a real sense of unity and community here. All the students are friendly and helpful and I have not been lost once!

I am truly loving high school and could not picture myself any where else. The work is suitable for all levels of education, and it’s great to see the multicultural atmosphere here. Thornbury have many programs to get involved in, there’s the debating team, and SRC, sporting teams, music groups, and homework club that give you many opportunities to get involved in things that you wouldn’t normally get to do. A new program is the mixed and single sex classes. Thornbury now has a program to cater for every learning type.

I'm proud to say that I’m a Thornbury student, and I am proud to say I truly love high school.

Ainslee Baruhas 7D

Re: Application for enrolment to Thornbury High School 2009.
Dear Mr Egeberg,

My son and myself [names withheld] recently came to your school for a school tour with a view to enrolment for year 7 in 2009. Currently he is in year 6 at [a local] Primary School.

Having made extensive enquiries into Secondary Colleges within our area, and after careful deliberation with my partner and our son, we have decided to apply to Thornbury High School as it provides a balanced curriculum we believe will best suit his educational development. A major factor in making our decision has been his wish to continue with his musical studies which he has been undertaking over the last two years, also his interest in media and communication studies.

Our son is also heavily committed in his participation with school activities including creative writing sport and leadership roles including representing the school regularly in inter school sports. He also participates in extra curricula drumming lessons once a week after school. As a school leader he was voted by his peers to be school Vice Captain this year. He is responsible for attending weekly Junior School Council meetings as well as making presentations and announcements at school assemblies, while also acting as a mentor for younger children through this role.

Outside school time he plays Basket Ball and has been playing Soccer for the last 4 years. He is keen to continue his participation and further contribute in the school's sports and music program.

We believe that it is in our son's best interest that he continues with these interests, and having looked at many other schools we have decided that Thornbury is the most excellent option in the area.

I hope that our application is carefully considered and am happy to provide further information or details if needed.

Kind Regards,
[Name Withheld].