Burnie Campus Principal 

The Joy of Lifelong Learning 

Recently, I have taken up a new hobby, and I am not usually the kind of person who has one. However, Mrs Polden encouraged me to try something that would quieten my mind at the end of a busy day and help me develop a new skill. To my surprise, I took up watercolour painting, and what started with little enthusiasm has grown into something that I love to do! 

As adults, it can be easy to fall into the “I don't have time for that” trap. However, taking time to look after our own wellbeing is incredibly important. 

As an educator, this experience has also reminded me of the importance of being a lifelong learner; embracing things that stretch us, that we do not always get right, and that place us in situations where we learn from failures as well as successes. We see our children grapple with these kinds of challenges every day. 

While one student may be a whiz at Maths, learning AUSLAN may be extremely challenging. Someone else may be able to kick a goal with ease, but learning to control a pencil and improve their handwriting could be a real struggle. Another might be able to build almost anything with LEGO®, but sitting comfortably and concentrating through a session may be a daily battle. When we persist and refuse to give up, we learn something new. Sometimes that learning leads to success and sometimes it does not, but if we view both outcomes as learning opportunities, we build resilience and grit. 

Watching our students from Kinder to Year 6 prepare for the Burnie Eisteddfod provided a wonderful example of this kind of learning. They honed their skills, developed their performances, overcame nerves and stepped onto the stage in front of large audiences. They persevered, demonstrated grit and achieved incredible outcomes. 

During CATs groups on Friday afternoons, our students participate in a range of interest-based activities and are often learning new skills such as guided drawing, chess or knitting. They are excited to learn and to experience the satisfaction that comes from sticking with something that may have been difficult at first. 

We learn both inside and outside the classroom all the time. My father and brother taught me how to fish; how to prepare my line, select the right bait and remove a fish from the hook (although I still could not bring myself to kill or gut them!). These skills, learned as a young person, have carried into adulthood, and fishing remains one of my favourite pastimes. It was not always easy, and at times it could be incredibly frustrating, but I learned, developed my skills and improved the longer I stuck with it. 

Learning with purpose and applying ourselves when things are new or difficult, both at school and beyond, develops strong habits that can set us up for greater success in school and in life. 

As end-of-semester reports become available in PAM and Parent-Teacher Interviews are scheduled for early Term 3, I encourage you to ask your child where they believe they have shown growth. Certainly, check in on their core subjects, but also ask them about the Eisteddfod, learning to shoot a basketball, making it across the flying fox, or becoming a better friend. They are making gains all the time, and it is wonderful to celebrate these achievements with them. 

Whether you are travelling, staying at home, or enjoying a mixture of both over the holidays, I pray that you will experience a time of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation together. 

We look forward to seeing you after the break, ready to kick off Term 3 and all that it will bring. 

Elizabeth Scheu

Burnie Campus Principal