Year 7 Pastoral Guardian

The idea of thinking in a new way, doing something differently, or trying something new can be a scary thing.  Familiarity brings comfort and safety; unfamiliarity brings uncertainty and fears – most of which actually do not come to be.

As girls enter high school, they frequently hear the message of how important it is to try new opportunities.  In fact, trying new things was one of the most frequently identified points students made in their girls’ Getting to Know You booklets, with regard to coming to high school.  They saw the year of changing schools as a way to increase opportunities and to expand friendships, ways of learning, and cultural and sporting opportunities.  Throughout this year, they have also heard the importance of trying, persisting, and giving their very best in whatever comes their way.

What are the benefits of trying?

1. Personal growth – we don’t progress from taking the familiar road.  Plunging into new experiences or ways of thinking forces beneficial change; it encourages problem solving, open-mindedness, and humility.
2. Opens new possibilities – you might find a love for something you never anticipated, which could well lead you to friendships, interests, careers you had never imagined possible.
3. Feeling stimulated and interested – boredom comes from not feeling challenged.  Trying something new encourages creative thinking and action.  Having a go and not holding back allows you to tap into to the true essence of life, and its offerings.

Yes, having a go and trying something new takes courage.  It can be scary to think about speaking in or performing in front of others, writing using a different genre, talking to someone outside of our friendship circle, or not to succeed first time.  It is important for us as adults to encourage them to be courageous and to grow.

As Pastoral Guardian of Year 7s, I have been so impressed with the way students have tried new experiences.  This has been evident in: the high attendance rate at sports carnivals where girls have tried new activities; their cheering at the recent CaSSSA Athletics Carnival where they showed other schools what it means to be a proud Mount Alvernian; the twenty girls who have completed the public speaking workshops throughout the year; the girls who have tried news sports and cultural activities; and the eleven girls who have nominated themselves for leadership roles for Francis School in 2020. There are so many ways to be actively involved in life at Mount Alvernia and, in all cases, it’s not about the winning, it is about having a go in order to grow.

“The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried.  Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.” 

Roy T Bennett

If your daughter says she is bored or interested in having a go at something different, perhaps you could mention the following.  These activities are open to all students.

• Drama Club (Tuesday Break 1)
• Art X Club (Thursday after school)
• Choir (Friday after school)
• Monday Mingles (Monday after school)

So, whenever and wherever possible, encourage your daughter to try something new, for the positive outcomes are endless.  And, when trying something new, try it with an open heart and mind!

Jeni Barlow

Conversation Starters

What is something you would like to try but are afraid to do so?

What is the worst thing about trying?  What is the worst thing about not trying?

How can I help you in having a go?