In the Know

From the Leadership Team 

The Student Perspective  

Matt Brinson, Head of Senior School 

 

Last week, there was a buzz of excitement as we welcomed back some of the class of 2018 to the VCE Centre for their first reunion. It was a chance for the students to catch up with each other and reflect on their first few weeks of university life, as well as for their teachers to find out how post-school life is going for them. 

 

Study Tips from Alumni 

A week prior to this, five of our 2018 alumni came and spoke to the current Year 12 cohort in a Q&A session to share their general study tips and recommendations for surviving Year 12. 

 

While these tips were aimed at our current Year 12 cohort, I feel they are equally applicable to students from lower levels, including Junior School.

 

For instance, the advice of setting and sticking to our goals, completing as many practice exams as possible and ensuring we have balance between study and other things, is something that most of our students can apply and gain benefit from.  

 

Parenting Advice from Students to Parents 

Our character trait this semester is 'perspective'.

 

At our recent Years 8-11 Parent Information Night, I spoke about all the parenting advice that is available from various sources; how different people have their own opinion and perspective based on their own experiences as a parent or teenager, or based on their professional credentials.

 

But what about our own students’ perspective - what was their experience and what would their advice be? So I asked our current Year 12 cohort the question: looking back, what is the one piece of advice you wish you could have given your parents regarding parenting?

 

Here are some of their answers ... 

  • In the younger year levels scores don't matter too much and understanding is much more important. I  would wish for my parents to praise me on my work ethic and understanding rather than a percentage.
  • Being a little lenient, sometimes us kids are just tired or don’t feel like talking and so we get angry or say something out of line. Don’t take it to heart, it’s just not our best day.
  • To not be overly pushy with homework and assignment due dates (especially in Years 7 and 8 when everything is new). Parents should let kids manage their own time and learn how to manage time independently. 
  • I would love to have them take off their 'hard-line parent' hat and want to develop a more personal relationship of trust, respect and mutual exchange. 
  • While I understand the use of the rules, reaching a compromise when creating these rules would have been a better approach, so I could understand their point of view and they could understand mine.
  • I would mostly suggest that parents celebrate all the small wins with their kids. As teenagers, we are our own harshest critics, and it would prove beneficial for Mum and Dad to throw us a bone every now and then for what we have done, as opposed to being constantly chastised for where we could have done better. 
  • My advice for parents of kids who are studying and also going through adolescence is: provide nutritious food - it might not sound that important, but good healthy food and keeping teenagers full is necessary!

Perspective is fascinating. Hearing someone else’s perspective means to see things from a point of view other than our own. We might not always agree with someone else’s perspective, but we can appreciate how they are viewing something and can take that into account.

 

Perspective brings in compassion and empathy to our relationships. When these two qualities are present our interactions can be more meaningful and successful.

A Moment for Christchurch

Jon Charlton, Principal 

 

The recent event in Christchurch New Zealand, is a devastating illustration of how some in our society refuse to accept each other’s differences and to live with empathy, understanding and respect.

 

There is some comfort, however, in the reminder that in the midst of grief and horror, our differences become mostly invisible as we unite to comfort those affected by tragedy.

 

To our Muslim brothers and sisters in our community and beyond, we stand with you at this heartbreaking time.

Staffing

Religious Education teacher Christina Douglas has requested a reduction of her hours, and as such will relinquish her Junior School RE teaching duties at the end of Term One. 

 

Her more than capable replacement will be Ms Erica Carson, who is on staff and known to many of you. 

 

We welcome Rhonda Davey, Laboratory Technician for Term 2. Rhonda is replacing Julie Runchey whilst on long service leave. Term 2 will also see Janet Costello go on long service leave and Monique Alexander, who currently works at Ruyton replace her for this period.

 

We wish both Janet and Julie a wonderful break and look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return.

 

At the end of Term 1 we farewell Clare Mackie and Elayne Flanagan who will commence their maternity leave. We wish them well during this exciting time! On the reverse, we look forward to welcoming back Lizzie Bush from maternity leave. Lizzie will return as of Term 2.