In the Know

From the Leadership Team

Reflection and Celebration

Chris Barr, Head of Junior School

 

If your household is anything like mine, it is an extremely busy place. Whether it is work, completing general household chores, or juggling the many family commitments that are scheduled throughout the week, there just never seems to be enough time to do the little things or, some would say, the important things in life.

 

On the weekend, I found myself thinking about how often we as a family reflected upon and celebrated the day's achievements, no matter how big or small.

 

Research has shown that people who take time to reflect on and celebrate their achievements are generally more optimistic and take better care of themselves. Celebrations and reflection increase a person’s sense of wellbeing. 

 

Over the past few weeks here at Kilvington, we have had much to reflect upon and celebrate. 

 

NAPLAN TESTING

Congratulations to all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 who recently participated in NAPLAN testing. While we can celebrate the students' academic achievements, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate:

  • Perseverance – every child’s ability to tackle the assessment head on, have a go, push through the challenging parts, and do this over multiple days of assessment.
  • Optimism – the positive outlook that many students went into the assessment period with the mindset that 'if I try my personal best, I am hopeful I will do well'.

THE ARTS

A huge undertaking for our Senior School students and staff as they recently pulled together an outstanding production of Matilda and wonderful recital evenings. Once again, we could focus on celebrating the final performances, however it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the journey, and for these reasons we should celebrate:

  • Creativity – the way in which staff and students always looked for new and exciting ways of making their performance better, and the ongoing conversations and ideas to make the final product their own.
  • Teamwork – the participation of all; the individual roles people played to ensure the team was successful and that the evenings were a huge success.

SPORTING SUCCESS

A large number of students have recently represented the School in both EISM (Senior School) and Balaclava District (Junior School) sporting events. As a School we have had some outstanding results, with ribbons, medals and trophies collected along the way. However, it is important to recognise the efforts of all, irrespective of the final result. Celebrating the students:

  • Bravery – when participating against others, completing individual and team events that pushed them out of their comfort zone, and at the same time, doing their personal best.
  • Zest and Care – the excitement and energy that both students and staff took to the events; their team spirit and ongoing support and encouragement of each other.

These are just a few of the many things we could reflect upon and celebrate at School each and every day. By focusing on what is going well rather than what is not, we can intentionally take responsibility for our mood, happiness and wellbeing.

 

So, as you read this week’s article, I encourage you to think about how as a family you might look to acknowledge, reflect upon, and celebrate the great things, no matter how big or small, that happen in your lives every day. We all have so many wonderful achievements to celebrate and reflect upon.

 

REFERENCES 

Student wellbeing

With the School currently in lockdown from today until next Thursday 3 June, your child may experience some distress due to remote learning and social isolation. If this is the case, please encourage your child to reach out to their classroom teacher, Mentor, Dean of Wellbeing, School Psychologists or Chaplain.

Staffing

WELCOME 

We welcome Angela Sharp who will be with us until the end of the year as a Junior School Enrichment Teacher. Angela has a Master of Education and has been an education consultant for the last year, as well as having taught at Shelford and Caulfield Grammar Schools. 

 

Miss Shauna Kiernan will commence at Kilvington as a Humanities/ Geography Teacher to replace Ms Eleanor Spzak whilst on maternity leave from 12 July 2021 to 24 June 2022. Shauna is a graduate of the University College Cork and has a Master of Education in German and Geography. We wish her a very warm welcome.

 

RESIGNATION

On 16 June 2021, our piano teacher Phoebe Yue will leave Kilvington after 12 years of amazing service – we thank her and wish her well in her future endeavours.