From the Principal

The car ride home

One of my university student daughters is coaching a John XXIII College Netball Club team. I occasionally wander out to watch them train after school and thoroughly enjoy the interaction between coach and team. Mia is highly complimentary of our netballers and not just because her Dad is the Principal! She loves their attitude and willingness to learn.

The College has recently undertaken a cyclical review as part of a registration process for all schools in Western Australia. The aim of the review is to ‘affirm, support and challenge’ the school in its operations. My reflection is that the ‘affirmation’ part is by far the most crucial component. Whether it be a parent with a child; a teacher with students or a coach with a team; engendering a positive relationship is of fundamental importance. In a school setting the quality of the conversations is important work. It is not a ‘backslapping’ exercise but developing an appropriate culture to enable our students and staff to flourish.

Some years ago, I read a study which indicated that teenagers sometimes give up sport because of the car ride home. If every play is dissected and every decision questioned, then the ride home may not be overly pleasant. Maybe a simple ‘did you have fun?’ is a better approach.

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning, Mrs Jessica Bouwman, has recently initiated ‘coaching’ sessions for our Year 12 students. Members of staff are meeting individually with students and providing guidance for our senior class. Our coaches are encouraged to ‘listen more and speak less’. It is a pretty good formula.

Robert Henderson

Principal