Assistant Principal -
Wellbeing

Mrs Mellissa Bell

Embracing the Unknown: Taking Risks

Life is a series of moments where we are presented with choices—choices that can either lead us down the familiar path or propel us into the uncharted territories of the unknown. Taking risks is not just a choice; it's a courageous leap into a place where growth, discovery, and transformation await.

The Catalyst for Growth:

Being courageous enough to take a risk will be the catalyst for personal and intellectual growth. In terms of education and learning as a young person, it is the force that propels students beyond their comfort zones, encouraging them to grapple with challenging concepts, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore avenues they might never have considered. It is through taking risks that students evolve from passive learners to active participants in their own education. As teachers is is our responsibility to create opportunities that allow for such risk taking in our classrooms.

Overcoming the Fear of Failure:

One of the greatest impediments to taking risks is the fear of failure. However, failure is not the end but a stepping stone on the journey to success. Schools, at their best, foster an environment where failure is not stigmatised but embraced as an essential part of the learning process. As the American educator and philosopher John Dewey once said, "Failure is instructive. The person who really thinks learns quite as much from his failures as from his successes."

Encouraging Innovation and Creativity:

Some of the most significant breakthroughs in history have come from individuals willing to take risks. In the academic setting, encouraging students to think innovatively and creatively involves creating a space where unconventional ideas are not just accepted but celebrated. This kind of environment nurtures the spirit of inquiry and exploration that is essential for progress. These are the classrooms we foster across the college each and every day.

Building Resilience:

Taking risks builds resilience—the ability to bounce back from setbacks stronger and more determined. At school, this resilience is cultivated as students tackle challenging learning tasks, engage in public speaking, or participate in extracurricular activities. It's the recognition that setbacks are not roadblocks but opportunities to learn, adapt, and persevere.

Real-world Preparedness:

Beyond the classroom, the ability to take risks is a crucial skill in navigating the complexities of the real world. The workplace, entrepreneurship, and social relationships all require a willingness to step into the unknown, make decisions amid uncertainty, and learn from the outcomes. Schools that prioritise risk-taking are preparing students not just academically but for the challenges of life beyond graduation.

Taking risks is not just a choice; it's a mindset that fuels growth, innovation, and resilience. As students and teachers embark on this journey of exploration, they embrace the transformative power of the unknown. In the words of Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Taking risks is the forge where that weapon is sharpened, preparing students to not only navigate their own paths but to contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Our Student Leadership Team led their first whole school assembly, pushing many of them out of their personal comfort zone having to get up and present in front of the school. This is not an easy task, learning how to gain the attention of 400 students, how to speak into a microphone with confidence and how to hold the attention of the audience. As a team they did well and will now begin to reflect on how to make the next one even more engaging and of interest to the whole school. These opportunities allow them to grow and foster strong communication skills.

Our House Captains, alongside Josephine Ryan, Faith and Service Captain have worked hard to create a real sense of community during Mission Week. They had a very successful Cake Stall, Pizza drive and the annual handball competition, a true tradition of O'Connor that brought out the friendly rivalry between houses. Organising such events also requires an element of risk - will people bring cakes or money, will they get involved?

Creating safe opportunities for risk-taking is what schools are all about. We need to ensure we continue to push students to be risk-takers and to be reflective on the results. Learning is a process. And the best thing is we (staff, peers and parents and families) will always be there to celebrate the successes, and support the learning from the failures.

When was the last time you took a risk?