Principal's Message & School Philosophy

I am filled with immense pride and excitement as we embark on another chapter of our shared journey at Canberra Secondary School. This year, we embark on a bold new chapter guided by the theme “Envisioning 2030 – Charting & Setting Directions for the Next Lap”. Together, we aim to nurture Future-Ready Canberrans who are global-minded, resilient, and equipped to thrive in a dynamic world.

At Canberra, our vision is clear: Nurturing Future-Ready Canberrans. Our mission, Growing Minds, Glowing Hearts, and core values of Gratitude, Respect, and Compassion remain steadfast as the foundation of our educational community. These principles drive our efforts to ensure every student is prepared not only academically but also as a valued creator, connector, and contributor to society.

In line with this vision, our strategic focus this year is anchored in three key areas that will guide our efforts to shape a dynamic and future-ready school environment. The first area of focus is Developing a Rigorous Curriculum, where our aim is to nurture Grateful Creators through cognitive excellence and mastery of nine essential digital competencies. These competencies are crucial for equipping our students to thrive in a rapidly evolving world shaped by technological advancements, ensuring they are well-prepared to face future challenges.

The second focus is Enhancing the Co-Curriculum, which centers on fostering Respectful Connectors and Compassionate Contributors. By building character and leadership excellence through a holistic co-curricular experience, we are committed to helping our students grow not only intellectually but also as empathetic, socially responsible individuals who can positively impact their communities. Finally, we are committed to Empowering Staff Capacity and Capabilities. Our dedicated educators play a pivotal role in this transformative journey. Through initiatives such as the Teacher Growth Model (2024), we aim to support our teachers in developing future-ready learners and innovators. This investment in professional growth ensures our educators continue to inspire and equip students to achieve their fullest potential.

This year, we are also refreshing our 21st Century Competencies (21CC) framework, focusing on the emerging priority competencies of Adaptive Thinking, Communication, Civic Literacy, and Inventive Thinking. By emphasizing these skills, we prepare our students to navigate the evolving educational and global landscapes with confidence and agility. Reflecting our belief in the adage “From the School as Our World to the World as Our School,” our students will embrace opportunities for authentic, real-world learning beyond the classroom.

Central to our mission is our commitment to technology and innovation. The “Transforming Education through Technology” Masterplan 2030 sets the stage for integrating advanced digital tools into our teaching and learning processes. A key initiative under this plan is strengthening Student Cyber Wellness, ensuring our students are empowered to navigate the digital sphere responsibly and ethically.

The path ahead is not without challenges, but with challenges come opportunities. To succeed, we must embody the spirit of collaboration and service. Every student, educator, and stakeholder in our community has a vital role in shaping a culture where aspirations flourish. For our students to thrive in this landscape, they must be creators of solutions, connectors who build bridges, and contributors who leave a meaningful impact on the world.

As we look ahead to 2030 and beyond, let us remain united in our pursuit of excellence. Together, we will forge pathways of learning, growth, and discovery that reflect our shared commitment to service, leadership, and transformation.

Yours faithfully

Mr Leong Kok Kee

Principal