Deputy Head of College News

Essence

Essence. The stimulus theme of the 2007 Year 12 Queensland Core Skills Test. And one of the most difficult test themes flagged by Year 12s across the test’s three-decade history. The test saw head scratching, headaches and head strong opinions fill exam rooms across the state all those years ago. Discovering the essence of anything, including, assumed social and systemic norms, can be mind boggling. This includes our system of education. 

What is the essence of education for young people? 

Rediscoveries of educational essence were made this week in Julia Creek – Traditional Country of the Wunumara Aboriginal people. Home to 1050 people, 1628 km north-west from Brisbane (or halfway to Darwin as the crow flies!). Just down the road from the famous Walkabout Creek Hotel. Site of this year’s Isolated Children’s Parent Association’s (IPCA) State Conference. It was this conference setting which shed a bright light on what truly matters for the right and proper education of our young people.

“No education. No opportunity.” This was the essence of the message from an IPCA life member who has dedicated his life to advocating for rural and remote education. His simple message affirmed how education is a key enabler for self-empowerment, or in essence, “how you learn to navigate and thrive in the bull dust!”

“Equality is not equity.” This was the opening statement of an IPCA Branch delegate when responding to a discussion regarding the funding available to families who live in areas where there’s no high school within coo-ee, as is the case in our pocket of Brisbane. In essence, put more where there is disadvantage.

“We trust you.” The parents of our Marist Family could not have been clearer. Through sharing and listening with and to parents across the three-day Julia Creek conference, trust in a school is essential to education. As our listening widened, the echoes of ‘the bush telegraph’ were very affirming of our Marist model of education. In particular, our provision of a holistic, grounded and authentic education.

Both literally and metaphorically, when the noise, the haste and the bright lights are stripped away the essentials become clearer. The ‘could-be-s’ and ‘would-be-s’ disappear. The ‘must-do-s’ become apparent. What a terrific experience provided by the IPCA and Julia Creek community! What an example they set for advocating for the essence of education!

On this the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, may we forever seek to discover or rediscover that which is essential to a full and whole education. May we listen to understand that which is essential for another. May we advocate wholeheartedly for that which know is right and just.

A sincere thank you to the Fegan family for their generosity and hospitality this week whilst we visited Julia Creek.

App Calendar

A reminder to parents and guardians to please refer to the College App Calendar for the most up-to-date event information. The App Calendar is updated weekly with any changes or additions as they occur. Access is via the Calendar tile on the College App or via the College website via the following link Calendar - Marist College Ashgrove (marash.qld.edu.au).