Associate Principal, Operations Report
MESSAGE TO THE SCHOOL IN ASSEMBLY
I have been here, as many of you know, for quite a long time although it is not true to say that I am as old as the tower building.
One of the great things about having been here so long is seeing students work their way through school and to hear of their subsequent endeavours. I always enjoy meeting the 10, 20 and 30 year reunion groups which gather every year. It is rewarding to hear of the stories of those I knew as students. Almost inevitably, all are doing useful things. Quite a few have become parents of students over the years and there are several of you here today whose parents I taught. Indeed, one former student has been a colleague for around 20 years: I still recall the ferocity with which Mrs Nichols attacked the softball when she played that sport as a Year 10 or 11 or 12 student at Pedrina Park.
Why am I telling you this?
I have been reflecting on the sort of school we are. Both my daughters began in Prep – there was no ELC then – and completed Year 12 here so I have viewed things from a couple of perspectives over the years.
We champion our VCE results and acknowledge high achievements in a range of areas. We speak about being a place of learning. We badger you about the way you look and seek to instil in you a desire to be your best self. We enter teams in competitions and encourage musical involvement as well as drama, public speaking and debating. We send year groups away on camps into the bush and even overseas.
All these are important but, in the end, perhaps the most important thing is the relationships which are formed here. More than anything, these are what reunion groups represent. Yes, the former students have often achieved in a range of areas but it is their connection with each other and those they remember from here which brings them back.
Over the holidays, Dr Hirst and I visited parts of China. We met up with the Year 9s in Gaoyou and enjoyed seeing their enthusiastic participation in activities there. We also met up with a number of our international students’ parents – establishing new relationships with those families. Meeting people in their own territory allows greater understanding and we enjoyed our meetings in Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
Similarly, we run information nights to meet families in local venues like Warrnambool, Portland, Harrow, and so on. There is a parent function every year at Penola which allows families of boarders from the South-East to gather together. This year there will be a Sunday lunchtime function for boarding families in the South-East also.
Relationships are important. They connect each of us to others and we can get to understand the other better through that connection. At many of the parent gatherings, the children of those present are spoken about. These are not Parent/Teacher discussions but times when strengths and qualities are explored. They are celebrations of the things you do. Teachers enjoy these celebrations too – all staff will have images of interactions with students which they will remember for years. Parents and teachers are very proud of you all.
This morning, I wanted to acknowledge some of the things some of you have done recently.
I mentioned the Shenzhen parents’ function. Neil Huang was home for the holidays and acted as our interpreter that night, clearly conveying the messages relayed in Chinese or English to the other language calmly and maturely. Thank you, Neil.
Earlier this week, I received an email from a parent who wanted me to know of the great work done by Annabel Mould at the Victorian Interschool Equestrian Championships during the holidays. Her support for younger College students was particularly mentioned. Well done, Annabel!
Eloise McLean has qualified for the state finals of the Lions Youth of the Year competition. This involves public speaking presentations and quick thinking; congratulations and best wishes, Elly!
Zara and Vienna Smith have qualified for the National Interschool Equestrian Championships later this year. Good luck for September to you both!
Finn Bowes has continued to achieve success on the snowfields of Europe and has just returned to Australia. Welcome back, Finn!
The five achievements I have mentioned are great but there are other achievements every day. Recently, I was asked to deliver a presentation to the College Board about VCE results and, towards the end of it, the discussion turned to “success.” I spoke about a student of recent years whose ATAR was in the 30s. It’s not a “great” ATAR by a long way but it was for this student – who had commenced here in Year 7. At that time, we had wondered if they would get to Year 9 but with determination and effort, and lots of help, the student made friends, gained their VCE and achieved entry into a course in further education. I suggested that is “success.”
We are a school community. We share relationships with each other. We should celebrate the achievements and successes we all have. These can be significant or noteworthy achievements in a public area – or more individual and perhaps less well-recognised. As we move into this term, I hope we can all acknowledge more of these, both privately and individually. I think we all know how valuable a comment like “that was really good” or “well done” from a friend or someone we respect can be.
That’s the sort of school I think we are and it’s one I am proud to be involved in.
Have a great term!