Principal Address
Dear Parents,
On Thursday morning in our assembly, I spoke with our students about what it means to be good stewards of our school community.
I’ve noticed that the world seems to be operating in more of a consumer mindset than perhaps 5 or 10 years ago. A consumer asks, "What can I get?" rather than "What can I contribute?" Sometimes, without even realising it, this mindset can creep into our school life. We can begin to see our school simply as a place that provides things for us: our classrooms, sporting equipment, playgrounds, resources, and opportunities; without considering our responsibility to care for and contribute to these gifts.
Stewardship is about recognising that what we have, has been entrusted to us and that we have a responsibility to care for it well. This can be seen in the simple everyday choices our students make. It is reflected in how they dispose of their rubbish, how they care for sports equipment, how they treat school property and perhaps most importantly, how they treat one another.
Our students absolutely have rights within our school community. They have the right to feel safe, valued, respected, and supported. However, alongside these rights come responsibilities; to act with kindness, to show respect, to take ownership of their actions and to contribute positively to the culture of our school.
As parents we play an incredibly important role in shaping this mindset. When we encourage our children to help, serve, care for their belongings, contribute to family life and think about the needs of others, we are helping them develop habits of stewardship that will serve them for a lifetime.
This week, I was particularly inspired by one of our Year 6 student leaders. Each lunchtime, she diligently prepares sporting equipment for younger students to enjoy.
What impressed me most was not simply her willingness to set everything up, but the care and consistency she demonstrates in packing everything away afterwards. She approaches the task with enthusiasm, responsibility and pride.
Even more encouraging was seeing this student's understanding of stewardship extend beyond her own actions. She took the initiative to speak about what it means to be a good steward and suggested a mufti day to raise funds for new sporting equipment. Her desire was not focused on what she could receive, but on how she could help provide opportunities for others. It is a wonderful example of leadership through service, and we look forward to our 'Jersey Day' later this term.
It's not simply about looking after things. It is about developing a heart that seeks to serve others. It is about recognising that each of us has a role to play in making our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant.
From the very beginning, God entrusted humanity with the responsibility of caring for His creation and serving one another. The gifts, opportunities, talents, and resources we have are ultimately gifts from God. Stewardship is our response of gratitude. It is choosing to use what God has entrusted to us wisely, faithfully, and generously.
When our students learn to serve rather than simply consume, they begin to reflect the character of Christ. They learn that true leadership is found in serving others, that genuine fulfilment comes through contribution rather than entitlement and that each of us has the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.
Please note:
Next week, I am away with our Year 6’s in Canberra from Wednesday to Friday. The school will be ably led in my absence by Mr Misikos who will be well supported by our middle leaders. I know Year 6 will have a great time and we pray for safety and good weather for them.
Also, a reminder that Monday is a public holiday and there is NO SCHOOL.
My door is always open,
Mr Joe Britton
Pacing the Learning Journey
A few years ago, I ran my first marathon on the Gold Coast. Excited and full of energy, I forgot all about pacing myself and simply went for it. By the 30-kilometre mark, I was forced to walk. Excruciating cramps, a heart rate in the red and a bruised ego made the final stretch incredibly difficult. I crossed the finish line, but I felt defeated. Looking back, I should have started more steadily and paced myself throughout the race.
Learning is not very different from running a marathon. Success rarely comes from cramming information into one long session and then never revisiting it. Instead, learning is most effective when it is spread over time, allowing students to gradually build understanding and confidence.
Rather than trying to find three hours on a weekend to catch up on your child's learning, consider setting aside a small amount of time each day. Short, focused learning sessions are often more enjoyable and manageable for children. More importantly, revisiting skills and concepts regularly helps move learning into long-term memory, making it easier for students to recall and apply what they have learned.
At school, we follow a similar approach. We break learning into manageable chunks, explicitly teach new skills and concepts, practise them together and then provide opportunities for students to apply their learning independently. This cycle is repeated regularly, helping students develop mastery over time rather than expecting immediate perfection.
Like a marathon, learning is a journey that requires patience and perseverance. Small steps taken each day may not seem significant at the time, but over weeks, months and years they lead to remarkable growth. When we pace the learning journey well, we set our children up not only for success in the classroom but also for a lifelong love of learning.
Mr Markos Misikos
(Acting Deputy Principal & Year 1 Teacher)