From the Principal 16.09.2023

This week I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at Transformational Schools 2025 International Colloquium hosted by the Sabah State Department of Education at the SICC. I was tasked with presenting on the topic “Effective Leadership Shaping Quality Schools”.

This is an incredibly broad topic and in my preparation I was very much pushed to really consider, first and foremost, what “quality schools” look like. How are they structured? What kind of culture do they have? What separates ‘good’ from ‘great’?

As the presentation evolved I kept coming back to the same key point. Care.

Schools that care about their students, care about their community and have a community that cares just as much in return, are the schools that make the leap from good to great and are “quality”.

The educational researcher John Hattie, in his seminal work ‘Visible Learning’ (2008) sought to identify via the largest meta-analysis of its kind what actions, interventions, and approaches to learning had the largest positive impact.

Collective teacher efficacy (CTE) consistently ranked as one of the most effective practices leading to positive pupil outcomes. CTE is the shared belief among educators that their collaborative efforts can significantly impact student learning, resulting in improved outcomes and a positive school culture. In simple terms, when the community cares.

I am pleased to say that one of the many things that makes KIS such a ‘quality’ school is that I see and feel CTE in our school on a daily basis. As I walk around lessons, speak with colleagues and chat with students, the level of care is plain to see.

From the home side, the small actions such as working collaboratively with our traffic enforcement team and ensuring healthy meals/drinks are brought to school, to the larger actions like getting involved in community events, have an enormous impact.

In order for KIS to maintain and enhance what we have, to preserve and elevate our already “quality school” status, it is fundamental that we continue to show this care for one another. When we work together collectively and show care, incredible outcomes are possible.

Thank you

Mr Sam Gipson

Principal