A GREAT opportunity ? that was the theme taken by Tavistock College principal Colin Eves when he spoke to members of the town council. Mr Eves told councillors that following consultation last year, a ?vision statement? embracing the school?s policies and aims had been produced ? but to take it forward, he hoped to involve the wider community, including the town council. Mr Eves said: ?It?s our job to make sure students get the best possible qualifications that will enable them to progress to the sorts of careers they want in the future. It?s quite right that we put this at the top of our priorities, but that?s not all there is to it.? Mr Eves said the college was also doing its part in promoting personal qualities such as reliability, trustworthiness, tolerance and compassion in its students ? and personal interests also took high priority. ?We need to recognise that if people are going to live fulfilling lives, it?s not just a question of getting qualifications for the job they want, it?s about having an active life in the world outside work, getting them involved in their communities.? Mr Eves said the staffing structure had been revised at the college to enable more time and effort to be put into encouraging students? personal qualities and interests, beginning in September. But he asked for help and advice in enabling students to get involved in the day to day running of the community, in areas such as recreation and leisure, the creative and performing arts, community volunteering and adult and family learning. Mr Eves said the more students got involved in practical community projects, the more likely they were to feel a sense of ownership and pride in the town in which they lived. He asked if students could actively help in areas where the town council had responsibility, for example, in the Meadows, in the play parks or in the cemeteries. ?I would love to find as many opportunities as possible, and to find the right activities for the right sort of students. If they are working alongside people in the community, it can only be good for the community,? said Mr Eves. The college was planning a huge music festival in the summer, to which everyone, young and old, was invited ? he hoped the town council would like to get involved with the project, perhaps by offering some kind of support. Mr Eves said there could be scope for further partnership between the school and town council regarding communication. ?We send out newsletters once every term ? they go out to 1,800 children ? that?s quite a significant proportion of our population. There?s nothing to stop us making this a joint thing. It?s an opportunity to communicate with people and if we are seen to be working together, I think we both could benefit,? said Mr Eves. Town mayor Jenny Metcalf said Mr Eve?s ideas had been ?fascinating? ? particularly regarding communication. Cllr Anne Johnson recommended Mr Eves contact Tavistock?s Volunteer Bureau for help. Cllr Maxine Gibson suggested he contact the Operation Sunshine group to see if they needed volunteers ? Cllr Martin Taylor said Devon Wildlife Trust may also need help.