Professional Culture and Growth

Finishing Strong 

In the last Emmaus publication, I spoke about the important work our staff are completing to conclude the year strong.

There used to be a time in schools where Term 4 was all about winding down and taking a breath. In the last 15 years, Term 4 in schools is one of, if not the busiest term. There are VCAA examinations, school-based examinations, assessing, report writing, budgets, timetables and staff loads to prepare and then just as you think it’s almost over, we begin Head Start – beginning a new academic year. New classes, new students, and new curriculum!

During this very busy Term, we are likely to be more sensitive or ‘thin skinned’ and perhaps emotional. A very normal way to be when we are feeling run down and need that well earned break. While I emphasise how normal this is, it is important to also realise HOW we respond to this challenge.

Monitoring our self-talk and our sensitivity are particularly important at this time of the year. We are far more susceptible to allowing irritations that would not normally influence us to get to us. Our resistance is low, and we are vulnerable to both attack from outside and poor decisions within. Now is the time to watch our words, resist the temptation to ‘shoot from the hip’ and make decisions on the run.

You may be wondering why I am writing about this in Emmaus. I believe that it is important as staff and parents that we role model this reflective self-talk to our young people. Our students are also exhausted after a busy year, and to be honest, still coming out of the COVID fog that had gripped us for 2 years. Head Start brings its challenges for our students to re-energise, invigorate, and stay motivated, even when they feel they have ‘hit the wall’. 

As we move into the Christmas season and a time of retreat, reflection, and rest, I encourage all of us to role model this important daily routine of monitoring our self-talk, understanding our emotions, and challenging ourselves on HOW we respond to situations.

It has been a year of many successes for our staff and students and as I conclude my first year at Marist-Sion College I am very thankful for the welcoming and warm community that has embraced my new role and for the many learnings I have had through the year.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Georgie Erpisimidis

Deputy Principal – Professional Culture and Growth