Empowered Through Personal Responsibility

When we take personal responsibility, we learn to make the most of any situation we find ourselves in. In this we recognise it is more the attitude we bring to a situation rather than the circumstance that dictates outcomes for us. Focusing on the things that we can change, and doing those things, builds efficacy, capacity, calmness and confidence. It is critical that young people develop this sense of personal responsibility for their learning and their wellbeing. Shifting inner and outer conversations from “they have” to “I can” changes our mindset to being proactive. 

God has created us with the capacity to make choices and not be mindless flotsam thrust this way and that by the currents of life. Praying for strength and insight into ways we can respond with confidence and strength and trusting that God is there with us, helps us to find the firm rocks to stand upon.

We were delighted to be able to begin the process of moving into the new Year 5 classrooms and Administration building in the latter part of this week. The Year 5 teachers and students were particularly excited to be able to learn together in their space from Thursday morning. The new classrooms provide a flexible learning environment that can be quickly adjusted to suit the needs of the learner and the context of the learning.

From next Monday, we will be fully operational out of the new administration building. All senior leaders are now in the new space. The front entry to the building is for public access. The Health Centre, Student Entry and P-5 sign in and out is at the rear of the new building. Parents wishing to see senior leaders can use either the front or rear entries of the building. The Heads of House will move to the Middle College office while the old administration space is converted to the Wellbeing Centre and an expanded staff area. Director of Students, Mr Ryan, will send an email to all Middle and Senior College families about the implications of these changes. Middle and Senior College sign in and out will occur out of its existing space. We are excited to be in our new space which increases the opportunity for teamwork and collaboration across K-12. As with all new buildings there are still some works to be done internally as well as the external landscaping, and we look forward to the full completion of the project which is expected to be at the end of Term 1. 

It was great to see so many parents at the Middle College evening taking advantage of the opportunity to connect and learn with each other and our Middle College leaders and teachers. Year 10 parents and students also received some valuable insights into making the most of their senior years learning experiences and career capability building at their information evening earlier in the week. We thank all parents for their attendance and staff for their leadership of these important events.

All parents have received an emailed invitation to attend an information session next Monday night with cybersafety expert Susan McLean. This is a constantly evolving area and I would encourage all families to attend to gain the latest information.

We look forward to the energy of today’s Year 6-12 swimming carnival and the week of learning ahead.

May God give us insight and wisdom to grow in our sense of personal responsibility.

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal