From the Leadership Team

Settling in

Julia Padgett, Deputy Principal

When we start in a new job or at a different school, the settling-in phase includes getting to know the people around us. Like many of the new students at Kilvington, I have spent a lot of time during these first few weeks learning names and having introductory conversations. 

I have enjoyed the early opportunities to speak with parents at morning teas and information evenings, and I look forward to meeting more of you at our parent teacher interviews. My two daughters also started at the School this year, and together we have felt the collective warmth of the Kilvington community. Thank you for making us feel so welcome.

A highlight for me has been getting to know my Year 7 English class. Our first unit on autobiographies has enabled us to share some significant (and embarrassing) moments in our lives. It has been a great way to break the ice. 

'I didn’t know you played tennis' and 'I also play a musical instrument' are the kinds of comments that have been flowing in class, and it has been wonderful to see students making connections, especially as many of them are also new to Kilvington. 

However, it’s not just those of us who are new to the School who are facing things that require us to adjust. Every student does. It could be a subject or teacher they haven’t encountered before, an opportunity to play a sport for the first time, or the chance to learn a musical instrument. We’re all embarking on a journey.

Last week’s snap lockdown saw us having to adjust again. I would like to acknowledge the teachers, students, and parents for seamlessly reverting to remote learning for this short time. 

Optimism and the heliotropic effect           

At our last Senior School assembly, I spoke to students about optimism and the heliotropic effect. 

Optimistic people are often described as being hopeful and confident about the future. They look on the bright side of life and being around these people makes us feel better too. And there’s a very good reason why.

To help explain this, I showed students the below photo in which a plant is growing towards the sunlight, the life-giving energy. Like plants, people also gravitate towards sources of positive energy. 

According to Professor Kim Cameron from the University of Michigan, positive energisers:

• Are stronger performers.
• Bring out better performance in those around them.
• Get their ideas acted upon more often.
• Attract similar productive people to work with them.

In other words, positive people get more done and they get others around them to help them accomplish their goals.

As we begin this school year, I encourage all students to embrace the character trait of optimism for this semester. I hope many choose to be the positive, life-giving energy for those around them. 

 Staffing news

We congratulate Ms Lizzie Bush who is expecting her third child.