From the Leadership Team

The Struggle is Real – And It’s OK

Life is busy. We all know this. Work, kids, school drop off and pick-up, church, sport and exercise, running the household, caring for older family members, helping friends, social events, and supporting communities are some the things that are on our plates as adults.

We can sometimes forget that young people are busy too. To give just one example, this term, the Year 7s have managed the learning for 10 subjects, engaged in after school sport and exercise, attended two school sports carnivals, been on a three-day camp and completed NAPLAN. On top of this, they have probably done some household chores, taken responsibility for younger siblings, spent time with faith and cultural communities, attended family events, and done some homework!

Our young people sometimes respond to this business by avoiding difficult things. While it is completely natural to want to protect them from difficulty, it is so important that we (and they) see struggle as an opportunity.

I am not talking about distress or even stress here. I am talking about productive discomfort; a challenge that is just beyond a child’s comfort zone. As teachers, we see this when our students say negative things about learning or resist work that requires effort, when they ‘down tools’ and look for something else to do when the answer is not immediately obvious, or when they finish a task in supersonic speed and then switch off.

Our response as teachers is not to make the path smooth so that success comes easily. In fact, we intentionally create paths that are filled with speed bumps! Then, we support students to stretch their critical and creative thinking, while providing guidance, scaffolding, and reassurance to ensure the challenge builds confidence and independence - not stress.

I am sure that your homes are also sometimes places of productive struggle.

So how can we, as adults, support productive struggle?

1. Pause before stepping in 

It can be tempting to provide the answer. Instead, allow time for thinking. A simple ‘Have another go, I’m here if you need me’ can be powerful and empowering.

2. Ask questions, don’t give solutions 

Questions like ‘What have you tried so far?’ or ‘What could you try next?’ encourage problem-solving and personal responsibility.

3. Focus on effort and strategy, not just outcomes 

Remember to praise persistence, creative thinking, and improvement (and not just grades). This helps build a growth mindset.

Productive struggle produces young people who have confidence in their ability to navigate complexity. When we remove obstacles - struggles - we may be unintentionally limiting their opportunity to develop essential life skills.

We know from our own experience that balance is key. Too much challenge can overwhelm; too little can limit growth. By allowing space for struggle, and supporting our children through it, we are helping them build the skills they will rely on far beyond the classroom.

The struggle is real, and it’s OK.

Louisa Mulligan

Head of Middle School