From the Principal

Allow them to wobble

When teaching children to ride a bike we allow them to ‘wobble’. We are nearby ready to catch them if they fall but the ‘wobbling’ is an important part of enabling our children to gain the skills and confidence to ride effectively. We quickly learn that they will always be on ‘training wheels’ unless we allow them to falter a little as part of the process of learning.

There are parallels with education. For younger children it is important that parents are walking alongside their children to assist with any significant ‘wobbles’. As students get a little older their independence needs to develop as they grow into young adulthood. We don’t want them to fall but equally we need to teach an increasing sense of responsibility.

If a mark is to be queried; homework has been missed; untidy uniform is to be explained or items have been left at home; then the first explanation should be from the secondary student. Obviously with more serious concerns, parental support and engagement is vital but I strongly encourage parents to allow their children to be the first point of contact with the teacher.

Over the past few years, all Catholic schools in Western Australia have developed a code of conduct for staff to ensure that interactions with students are within relevant guidelines. It has been a good process at John XXIII College given we have such positive and energetic staff.

We have also had initial discussions with the John XXIII College Parents' Association about developing a Code of Conduct for Parents. We receive excellent support from our parent body so it is a fitting time to consider appropriate protocols. We look forward to elaborating in due course.

Robert Henderson

Principal