This spontaneous joy that sparks when we reconnect after absences, fuels our relationships and is vital as we navigate the challenges and achievements that a full life can bring.
At the College there is also a powerful recognition that for students to achieve their potential they need to be supported, encouraged and assisted in their social and emotional growth. This allows students to reach their potential across all areas. Research consistently recognises that for students to succeed they need to be confident, resilient, organised and persistent young people who are especially adept at getting along with others.
Our overarching focus for this term in You Can Do It is relationships and particularly what we value, building friendships, solving problems and finding solutions.
Like all pursuits worth doing, relationships take time. They are a continual work in progress and require persistence, resilience and energy from all sides for them to flourish. Sometimes our relationships can falter, and we learn valuable lessons about ourselves and each other. Forgiveness and reflection are crucial in rebuilding our relationships when they may falter.
When we set out to guide our students in the maintenance of relationships, our goal is not for students to avoid challenges or to rely on others to clear a path so that they may never experience a struggle but rather equip them with the tools to overcome obstacles and situations where solutions may not be so straightforward.
In the past I have listened to industry leaders speak about how best to prepare students for a life beyond school, their primary focus tends to be around attributes rather than specific skill sets. They want people who can collaborate productively, problem solve effectively and exhibit empathy for others. All traits we want for ourselves and what our pastoral care program, especially You Can Do It, here at Pacific, sets out to achieve.
ANZAC Day
On Friday morning, our Junior College will gather together to commemorate the sacrifices provided by our service men and women through the years and in an ongoing capacity in situations around the globe.
As the number of veterans dwindle it is important for young people to not only remember the sacrifices of the past but to accept the responsibility for continuing this legacy of remembrance into the future.
With services able to proceed this year, we are fortunate to be able to gather as a College on Sunday morning and look forward to our College being part of the wider community’s day of remembrance.
Take care and God bless.
Mr Damian Davis, Head of Staff and Students P-5