Director Learning and Teaching

Whilst every term at College brings different experiences, events, learning, and invariably ups and downs, there is never any doubt that they are all busy! Term 1, 2024 has been no different and I would like to congratulate and thank all the students, staff and families for their efforts in all areas of learning, both in and out of the classroom this term. It has been a wonderful start to the year, and I have been impressed at the hard work and focus of our students of all ages and year levels. I know many of you will be ready for a well-deserved break, and others, such as our Year 11 and 12 students, will continue study over the holidays. 

One of the things I always enjoyed about teaching in a primary classroom was that I was able to teach across many subjects. While I love teaching across the curriculum, I have to admit that I have always particularly enjoyed teaching – and learning about – Science. As a parent and educator, neuroscience – learning about the brain, how it works, and how best to apply this to an educational context – has been a keen interest of mine. 

Dr Dan Siegel a clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and executive director of the Mindsight Institute. His books relate complex information about how the brain develops from infancy throughout life in an easy-to-understand way that, I have found helps parents and educators to support children in developmentally appropriate ways. 

As we all head into the holiday period I thought his ‘Health Mind Platter’ was a helpful guide to support us all, whether you are studying, working, or taking a break, to focus on giving our brains a good break too, so that we can feel refreshed and reenergised for Term 2, ready for the academic rigours and learning that we will undertake. 

Seven daily essential mental activities to optimize brain matter and create wellbeing

Focus Time

• When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.

Playtime

• When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain.

Connecting Time

• When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuitry.

Physical Time

• When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways.

Time In

• When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, we help to better integrate the brain.

Downtime

• When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge.

Sleep Time

• When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.

Further information about the Healthy Mind Platter and Dan Siegel can be found via the link below.

Healthy Mind Platter - Dr. Dan Siegel (drdansiegel.com)

I wish all of you a happy and safe Easter for those celebrating, and a restful and holiday break.

Anna Robertson

Director of Learning & Teaching