Dean of Studies
“Wait, what?”
For many students (current and past), our school experience often required us to know answers. Examinations, tests, assignments and homework demands us to demonstrate knowledge by replicating the answers to questions. As the research field of education continues to grow and the world of work attempts to grapple with new generations of workers, entering a world of uncertainty, perhaps the key ingredient to obtaining the answers you want is to develop the skill of asking the right questions?
Until recently, Jim Ryan, the President of the University of Virginia, was the Dean of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, and was charged with leading teams of some of the world’s pre-eminent education researchers. Jim is a lawyer by profession, worked for one of the United States Supreme Court judges (a prominent legal role in the USA) and eventually became a professor of law and academics. Jim Ryan’s journey is also fascinating, because he was adopted out, raised a Catholic, had a happy upbringing, albeit his adoptive mother battled with alcoholism for a long period of time and was able to eventually meet his biological mother at the age of 46. Jim also was able to meet his four half-siblings and discovered that they had lived fifteen minutes away from where he grew up. All of this came about as a result of Jim asking the question, “I wonder…?”
“Whether we’re in the boardroom or the classroom, we spend far too much time and energy looking for the right answer. But the truth is that questions are just as important as answers, often more so. If you ask the wrong question, for instance, you’re guaranteed to get the wrong answer. A good question, on the other hand, inspires a good answer and, in the process, invites deeper understanding and more meaningful connections between people.”
For Jim Ryan, there are five questions in particular that form the foundations of deeper understanding: Wait, what? I wonder…? Couldn’t we at least…? How can I help? and What truly matters?
By asking these questions we generate understanding, spark curiosity, initiate progress, fortify (strengthen) relationships and draw attention to the important things in life. Regular questioning using these can lead to what Jim Ryan believes to be the most important question in life, “And did you get what you wanted out of life, even so?” For us as members of a Catholic school community, we might also consider the question, “Did I use my gifts and talents in the service of others?”
If we consider how to apply these questions to the classroom, our learning and striving to achieve our personal best, what might this lead to? Good questions are asked because our curiosity about a topic has sparked an interest in knowing more (Wait, what?), and we may ask our teacher to help us learn more. When we don’t know an answer but become willing to try new approaches to the completion of tasks or study (I wonder…?). When we are trying to work in a group and cannot figure out how to get started (Couldn’t we at least?). As members of the St Norbert College community, so many of us continue to ask this important question: How can I help? And when we get stuck in limited ways of thinking, find it difficult to commence study or disagreements arise, we can re-direct our focus to important matters (What truly matters?).
At the foundation of all of these powerful questions, is a willingness to seek help when we cannot progress past the obstacles in front of us, and this is perhaps the greatest power in schools, understanding that achieving our personal best is the result of a greater team effort.
St Frederick Academic Scholarships
Applications are now open for the St Frederick Academic Scholarships. The Middle School Academic Scholarships are available to students entering Year 7 and cover full or 50% tuition fees and are tenable for Year 7 – 9 students, and are subject to student performance each year. The Senior School Academic Scholarships are available to students entering Year 10 and cover full or 50% tuition fees and are tenable for Year 10 – 12 students, and are subject to student performance each year. The two-hour scholarship selection test will be conducted on Saturday 18 May, commencing at 9.30am for Year 6 and Year 9 students. Applications and details for the scholarships are available by visiting our website www.norbert.wa.edu.au where you can apply online via the link provided. The Scholarship Registration fee is $95.00, and applications close Monday April 8, 2019.
Studiosity/City of Canning
The City of Canning Library is offering free access for members of Studiosity for online, after-hours, one-to-one help with homework and study questions. From school to university students, Studiosity is able to help across a wide range of subjects and questions through Canning Libraries Online. Studiosity offers two services:
- Writing Feedback: Students can upload any writing draft such as essays, reports, and resumes and receive feedback that helps them think about and improve their own work.
- Connect Live: Students can ask a question or draw a diagram and get immediate help via live chat with a qualified Subject Specialist, across all core subjects.
Studiosity can assist with questions after school, on weekends and during holidays from a friendly, qualified Subject Specialist - just when you need that extra support. Students also have access to over 750 practice tests and downloadable worksheets with their accounts. These quizzes are available across English, maths, chemistry, physics and biology for Year 5 through to Year 12 levels, including NAPLAN specific content.
How do I get started?
Students need to become a member of the City of Canning Libraries by joining online at: https://www.canning.wa.gov.au/Community/Library-Services. Studiosity can be accessed with an online membership or a full membership that can be obtained by visiting one of the library locations. Your library membership number and password will be required to log in and access the service. For direct access to the Canning’s Studiosty log in page go to: https://studiosity.com/connect/clients/city-of-canning-library-service/authenticate
You can also download the Studiosity mobile app (App store or Google Play) and link it to your account for extra features that include: Save a question for later; Snap a quick photo of a problem or use voice-to-text technology. The City of Canning will hold an upcoming information session about the service for students, parents and teachers:
Studiosity Information Session – Monday April 8 (5.45pm, Riverton Library)
Please contact Lilly Kensell, Young People’s Services Librarian (0437 182 645 or lillian.kensell@canning.wa.gov.au) for further information.
Australian National University – Direct Entry (Undergraduate Studies)
Students who are on the ATAR Pathway (or considering for Year 11) can visit the Dean of Studies' office (Student Services) to enquire about the direct entry to undergraduate programs (including scholarships and accommodation) at the Australian National University in Canberra. Students in Year 12 may also apply for an early, conditional offer (August) prior to completing their ATAR Examinations, for starting university in 2020. All students that apply to ANU are now required to complete service and co-curricular requirements. For more information, please visit: anu.edu.au/study/apply
NAPLAN (Online)
Please note that applications for an exemption, adjustment for disability for NAPLAN must be submitted by Friday April 12. The application for an injury adjustment may be submitted up to Tuesday May 14. Please contact the College if you require a form or go to: https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/assessment/testing/naplan. Students may wish to become familiar with the platform via the public demonstration site:
www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/naplan-online/naplan-online-public-demonstration-site
Italian Exchange – Host Family required
The College requires assistance with hosting an Italian exchange student to attend St Norbert College later in the year. Please contact Ms Diana Tersigni on 9350 5433 or email: DTersigni@norbert.wa.edu.au if you are able to assist.
Mr R Dowling (Dean of Studies)