From the Principal  

What Makes a Good School?

I love observing new Kindergarten students as they make their first tentative steps at the start of the school year. There is a mixture of enthusiasm or nerves as they tentatively settle into new routines. 

I contrast them to the mature, relieved, joyful and sometimes sad yet confident young men and women who graduate at Year 12 following their years of ups and downs in the maelstrom of school life.

In the 13 short years between the two events, the process of ‘education’ has taken place. Through this stage children will spend more time ‘doing’ school than anything apart from sleep. How is one to measure the success of the journey from Kinder to Year 12 and finally leaving at age 18? 

A Good ‘Vibe’

Dennis Denuto, in the great Australian movie ‘The Castle” is famous for his mutterings on ‘vibe’. “It’s the vibe of the thing that matters,” he said. 

The ‘vibe’ of a school is most critical and can measured in the enthusiasm, the confidence and participation of the students?  Each of the Calrossy campuses is a high energy, bubbly and inclusive place in which individuals can fit into and find their niche. There is plenty of laughter, zest for life and excitement. It is one of the things I love about Calrossy.

‘Engagement’ 

The sparkle and bounce in many students as they head off to class is evident. There is a positive response to the high expectations of parents and staff, contributing to busy academic environment. Curiosity, excitement, use of technology and getting the most from class allows a focus on learning, growing skills and knowledge. The teachers know and understand children and adolescents, supporting them through their stages of growth. It is easy to observe that our students are not silent and passive but rather question, challenge (mostly appropriately) and engage. Sometimes they don’t even realise that they are working. The skills they are developing will assist them for life. We want to celebrate having a go and doing your best, participating in learning.

Relationships

A school with a positive culture focuses on relationships. People matter and students know that they are important. The interactions between them, their teachers and within the school community are respectful and healthy. Learning to forgive, to listen and to interact is important. In a school like ours we also seek to develop a relational tone that reflects the love that God has shown us, as we relate with each other in our community.

Learning

Regardless of the standard of achievement of an individual, a good school promotes learning for all. A strong commitment must exist to build confidence, provide skills and promote growth. We are not just about the ‘top’ students but promoting to all students believing that they can grow, achieve and succeed. Neuroscience shows that performance can grow through consistency of engagement and effort and that intelligence is not fixed. Students also learn to learn together.

Co-curricular 

A balanced school provides opportunities for students to engage in a wide range of interests and activities inside and outside the classroom. A variety of musical, drama, artistic, agricultural and sporting exploits allows students to develop interests. Camps and excursions also complement classroom activity, aiding growth in resilience, and perseverance. These qualities are not only vital in surviving school but are valuable for life. 

Character

Finally, a positive school is one which has its focus on holistic development. Whilst learning is our ‘main game’, there also exists a focus on Character. The school experience should set the child up for life, not just the best course at University or a good job. Learning to love, live with others and be a person of integrity is more important than academic achievement. Our Calrossy values of Selflessness, Integrity, Resilience and Inclusiveness are closely connected to this and are celebrated in school life as we want to develop women and men of character, who will make a difference as they move from school into life.

David Smith

Principal