From the Principal
Recently 75 of our staff and board members attended the amazing International Transforming Education Conference (ITEC) in Perth, WA. This was a fantastic event that focussed on Biblical education, spiritual nourishment and practical application.
Over previous Heralds I highlighted some of the core messages of the conference, and my hope is that you will be encouraged as we all were by the powerful messages, and the potential impact that this will have on our school community and lives. Over the next two editions I will be sharing with you my notes from David Smith's Everyday Christian Teaching - Part 2 message.
Enjoy the school holiday break!
Stuart Kent, Principal
Finding Rhythm in the Classroom: The Importance of Pausing
In every classroom, there exists a unique rhythm—a cadence that shifts between moments of acceleration and gentle slowing down. As educators, we have the power to shape the story we tell our students through these pauses. When we take a moment to breathe and reflect, we invite deeper learning and understanding.
Reflecting on Transformation
We often ask ourselves: what was the most transformative part of our students’ learning experiences? To truly understand this, we need to engage our students in meaningful dialogue. This could involve conducting interviews or surveys—whether in-class discussions, exit surveys, or selecting volunteers randomly. Gathering their insights will help us grasp what resonates most deeply with them and how we can further enhance their educational journey.
Learning from Nature: The Porya Hatami Snail
To illustrate the beauty of slowing down, we encourage everyone to watch the inspiring YouTube video featuring the Porya Hatami snail. This video serves as a powerful reminder of the richness that can be found in taking our time. After watching, we can invite students to journal about their reflections. What does the snail teach us about patience, perseverance, and the importance of taking life one step at a time?
The Busyness of Modern Life
As we ponder our own experiences, we must ask: how did we become a society so consumed by busyness that we struggle to slow down? In our fast-paced world, it’s essential to carve out spaces for rest and reflection. This leads us to consider: how can we create a school environment that promotes moments of pause?
Cultivating Deep Knowledge
To foster a culture of reflection and deeper learning, we need to teach in a way that encourages students to develop a profound understanding of themselves, others, and the world around them. This means creating opportunities for them to connect with creation, appreciate relationships, and ultimately enjoy the beauty of God’s work in their lives.
Wisdom and Joy
As highlighted in Proverbs 8, true wisdom involves joy—joy in God, joy in creation, and joy in one another. Let’s work together to cultivate an atmosphere where our students can relish these experiences. By weaving moments of stillness into our daily rhythm, we can help them grow not only as learners but as thoughtful, connected individuals.
Let’s embark on this journey of discovery together, finding ways to enrich our classrooms and lives with intentional pauses that foster growth and wisdom.