From the Deputy Principal

Our  Image of the Child

Over the last two years we have reflected as a school on our ‘Image of the Child’.  I have shared previously the staff learning and reflection that has come from considering First Principles Thinking and the Image of the Child. Both of these models of thinking challenge educators to consider their most fundamental values by taking away structures and analogies that sometimes cloud and clutter, action and judgement. This has assisted staff greatly to reflect on the shared core values of teams, the whole staff and the wider Lutheran community. 

The Reggio Emilia philosophy, often just considered as a way of creating learning spaces, considers the image that educators have of children (not just the academic part of the child-the student) as a foundational value.

The image of the child that we have at St Paul is a first principle. If we believe that all children are innate learners our practices and values as a learning community should reflect this. The teachers of St Paul have reflected on their own image of the children they work with and responded to some fundamental questions over a series of staff meetings. This has led to the development of a statement titled ’Our Image of the Child at St Paul’. This statement is a first principle. It should align all of our work back to these foundational values. Rather than a generic statement, it has been developed to ensure it is lived out each day in a visible way through three trademark behaviours. 

It is my pleasure to share this statement with the community and I look forward to seeing it come to life on a daily basis. 

Our Image of the Child at St Paul Lutheran School

At St Paul we believe that all children are inherently curious intuitive, creative, playful, and unique. We recognise that these children come to school with their own passions, experiences and perceptions of the world and are capable of initiating and generating their own learning, and personal and social growth. 

This image of the child shapes our relationships, values, and practices as we work to create a safe and inclusive school culture. Our image of the child will be visible in…

• Our relationships with all children in our community; We will be clear and respectful in our expectations and language and be ready to celebrate and restore relationships in the Lutheran tradition of grace and love.
• The environments we create for children; We will strive to create environments where curiosity, mistakes, and challenges are embraced and children feel valued and connected.
• The way we foster learning; We will create opportunities for children to explore and pursue individual and collective interests, as well as aspirations for learning.

           Jason Fay | Deputy Principal