Dean of Studies

Will you reach your dream job?

One of the more common and popular messages by motivational speakers is that, “You can be whatever you want to be. All you have to do is dream it!”. However, what is omitted from this message is, “unless…”. Schools and their captive audiences are sought out as popular destinations for motivational and inspirational speakers. Common to their method is to tell students that their current approach is flawed, or “you just have to change the way you think!” Many preach their message of how they experienced a pivotal moment in life that changed everything, and how they now have the formula for success, motivation and how to live your best life. For most of us however, we only become aware of our ‘pivotal’ moments when we look back. Our series of small decisions in everyday life often lead us on the path we have taken.

Just like our College motto, ‘Ad omnia paratus’, (be prepared for all good works), we strive to make good decisions every day at school, and equip students with the skills and drive to be prepared to be the best they can be. School is a place where students are provided with feedback on their learning, the mistakes made and where they are encouraged towards new ways of thinking.

And so, what if achieving your dreams is simply out of reach and at what point in our lives do we realise that we don’t have the aptitude, or the skills or the drive to turn fantasy into reality? Stewart D. Friedman, an organisational psychologist at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and the co-author of Parents Who Lead, and he explains,

“Part of reaching maturity means coming to know ourselves – our strengths and our limitations – figuring out how our gifts can realistically flourish in the world.”[1] 

The advice put forward by Friedman is that we should face the reality of our situation, and the experience of loss that may be associated with not reaching our goals and dreams. From this we can create a new message around optimism.

“To lead the life you want, you must have a vision that’s useful: a compelling image of an achievable future. Once you’ve found some resolution in your mind’s view of your real prospects, the next step on your journey can commence. The essential task is to find meaning and a sense of purpose – to take control over what you actually can do.”

For our students, the journey can be about discovering what is truly important (to them). They should take account of their accomplishments to date, and take pleasure in what they have achieved. Then they can experiment with how to best use their interests and strengths to create value (for self and others). In other words, own their responsibility and take small steps towards their (current) vision. Of course, we need to develop coping skills to deal with much of what life throws at us (hardiness; grit; growth mindset; resilience). We are not responsible for everything that happens to us, yet we are responsible for how we react to what happens to us, and the action that we take. The role of experts (ie teachers) in providing feedback is crucial – Where did I go wrong on the last assessment? How can I improve the way I study? What is the best pathway for me right now?

Once we start to take small steps towards a goal or vision, we let go of unrealistic aspirations and find purpose in a new goal. Success is so much about a rewarding journey towards a destination.

[1] “When You Realise You’ll Never Get Your Dream Job” (by Stewart D. Friedman. Harvard Business Review. Published on hbr.org April 1st, 2015) 

Parent Seminar – Homework…help!

The Parent Committee will again be looking to provide seminars for parents in 2021, starting with first seminar on Tuesday, 23 March, 7pm–7:45pm. “Homework . . . Help!”  will aim to provide strategies for parents to improve their child's study habits and routines. Attendees will receive study resource and references to support the academic development of their child. Bookings are essential on www.trybooking.com/BPQAY

NAPLAN Co-ordinated Practice Test (CPT)

The NAPLAN Online Coordinated Practice Test will take place nationally on Thursday, 25 March 2021, at 9:00am. All CEWA schools are expected to participate in the coordinated practice test with as many students and classes as possible, in order to contribute to load testing.

The activity is designed to give students and staff the opportunity to re-familiarise themselves with the NAPLAN online environment, to ensure school readiness, and to stress test the system’s capabilities under load. The College has scheduled this test for Period 1 (9:00am – 9:55am) and Period 2 (9:55am – 10:50am) in the regular scheduled lessons for these times.

Christian Leaders Scholarship

The Christian Leaders Scholarship assists and encourages meritorious students who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of leadership and community service, to cultivate them to be the next generation of leaders in our society. The scholarship is open to students currently undertaking Year 12 ATAR studies, and who intend to undertake fulltime university study in 2022.

For more information, please refer to the website: https://bit.ly/christianleadersscholarship 

Applications are now open until the Sunday March 28, and enquiries may be directed to the Scholarship Committee at: christianleadersscholarship@gmail.com 

Awards Presentation

Class of 2020 graduate Kieran Overmars returned to the College this week with his father, Triston, to be presented with his Presentation Night award after completing a Certificate III in Sport and Recreation (Basketball). We wish Kieran all the very best in his chosen career path.

Mr R Dowling

(Dean of Studies)