Focus On the MECS Threads

Ranges TEC recently held the first batch of parent-teacher interviews for this year. We call these meetings Roundtables and the structure and process is embedded in the thread of being truth discerners.

A truth discerner is able to use wisdom to articulate their position in the world. They can seek God’s guidance and direction to shape their actions. A truth discerner can wrestle with layers of complexity and be held accountable.

We are called to ‘speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves’ (Proverbs 31: 8-9) and to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). This means that we can be truth discerners in advocacy and holding space for humility and grace. As well as teaching our students to be truth discerners for the benefit of others, we emphasise what it looks like to own your learning experience.

Students in Years 10-12 at Ranges TEC organise their own Roundtables. This starts in the Literacy classroom, where students undertake a unit on workplace communication. They plan their Roundtable agenda, negotiate meeting times with teachers and parents, and send meeting invites using email communication.

By setting their own agendas, students have full agency on the topics discussed, and how they are discussed. Tricky topics are not avoided. Instead, students are taught how to have difficult conversations, take ownership of behaviour, and make plans for action moving forward. Students are encouraged to consider how they bring up difficult conversations and prepare a healthy response with their teachers before the meeting. 

In the workplace, we are provided with a lot of resources to approach tricky conversations. Students are taught about the purpose of having support people attend meetings. That person may be there to advocate, however they are most helpful when they are able to debrief after a meeting and help discern a healthy response. Students are welcome to invite other people to their Roundtables for this purpose. Suggestions include footy coaches, aunts & uncles, youth leaders, or other mentors. Sometimes students even bring each other to their Roundtables. 

On the actual day, students arrive with their parents and guests and enter the meeting room. Often the student sits on one side of the table, while the teacher and parent sits on the other side. This intentional set up of the room reinforces that the student owns their education pathway and is supported by a number of people on their team. It also increases accountability for senior secondary students. Accountability is a key component of truth discernment, and the application tasks of Roundtables means that students need to reflect on the next steps.

Parents regularly comment how proud they are of their students organising and chairing a meeting like this. The majority of meetings are highly positive, and always real. This means that tricky conversations can be safely explored together, and students are empowered to grow and learn during this time.

Truth discernment requires humility and reflection. It also requires significant courage and a team of people to do the journey with. Ranges TEC and MECS provide many opportunities for students and the wider community to engage in these practices. Together we can determine what is really true by seeking and following God’s guidance.

Dee Dee Booth

Assistant Director

Ranges TEC