Responding to Feedback

Last week, Middle College and Year 10 were involved in examinations. Students would have had varied experiences during this time, some would have encountered challenges and others, perhaps periods of extended reflection. We hope that all students felt cared for and looked after, as we appreciate the intensity of emotions that exam time can provoke in young people.

I thank all involved in the leadership and management of this examination period, and especially the students for their concentration and commitment in aiming for their academic personal best. I would also like to thank the families for their support, as we navigated through this together.

Importantly, it is the way our young people respond to the feedback from teachers over the coming week that will be an important indicator of their capacity to learn and grow. I encourage students to look for and listen to the feedback that will be broader than a singular grade. The positive relationship between student and teacher is crucial in any school community and importantly it is the ongoing dialogue between all stakeholders that will allow for clear feedback that is actionable.

Finding Meaning in the Everyday

I spoke at Chapel this week about the message that comes out of Matthew 25:31-46, ‘The Sheep and the Goats’. What we might take from this scripture passage is the importance of understanding that God is continually working through us as we engage in good works for others, including those who are less fortunate.

We must be brave and courageous enough to accept that this is what God is doing and indeed what it is He is calling us to do. I challenged Middle and Senior College students to specifically reflect on the micro interactions they have with each other, their families, and the community. These interactions might include a friendly smile, a helpful hand, a warm greeting or opening a door for someone. An outcome of these reflections is to consider whether they have been positive or perhaps required more purpose and consideration. Hopefully, our young people can similarly find the meaning in the everyday through those interactions.

Safety in Carparks

I would like to remind all members of the community who drive themselves or loved ones to school each morning that the driving limit is 10km/h once entering the school gates. It is vital this limit is adhered to for the safety of all. I would encourage all students to exit the vehicle you are in, on the pathway side. Similarly, I would ask all students who travel in College buses and coaches to remain seated with their seatbelt fastened for the entire duration of their journey. This is a legal requirement for the safety of all passengers and for the driver to maintain their licence.

Since this is my last newsletter article for the term, I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and relaxing break as holidays commence on Friday 25th June.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students