Principal's Message

Many of us go viewing our life experiences as unconnected and isolated events and activities. Sometimes we take a simple view and just accept the events for what they are and as particular learning experiences. Our students do need opportunities to examine their experiences and understand them as meaningful learning occasions. One such opportunity is the annual Year Level Reflection Day which is to be held on Wednesday 24 March.

Reflection allows for a variety of outcomes including meaning, learning, and insight. Whilst personal reflection is sometimes best undertaken alone, when we allow others to share time with us, our prospects for growth is heightened. Through reflection we link where we are currently to previous experiences and we apply what we learn to different contexts or situations.

Teachers and parents need to facilitate times for students to engage in reflection and teach them strategies to develop deep meaning from their experiences. How does previous learning contribute to rich future outcomes? Reflective adults model to young people that it is okay to stop, think and step away from the rush and bustle of daily life in order to identify appropriate pathways. Then the young people are able to compare the direction that they wanted to go with the actual end result. Learning then becomes a lifelong experience where fear of failure is minimised because the reflective practice generates a confidence to seek self knowledge.

That is why we value the program of Reflection Days that have been organised for Years 7-11 to be held on 24 March. The format of the day is varied with themes applicable to each level. The themes include:

Year 7: Kildare Ministries Core Values and Wonder

Year 8: Dream, Believe and Achieve

Year 9: Celebrating, Challenge and Change

Year 10: Rights and Responsibilities

Year 11: Positive Relationships

Each of the levels also incorporate a liturgy on this year’s school theme: Wonder.

Reflection on these themes allows students to discover that true meaning can come from examining their life, memories and past decisions. Also, by sharing experiences with others, student learning is enhanced and wider examples of possible pathways provides greater avenues for continual growth. We encourage parents to discuss the messages from the Reflection Day with their daughters and inspire them to continue to reflect on life experiences.

Raymond Pisani

Principal