From the Deputy's desk

How can we help our children be more resilient? 

Our new School Vision Statement sits on the wall opposite my desk as a constant reminder of why I am a teacher and a leader in our school. 

My position focuses on supporting the whole school community in guiding our students as they become caring and community-minded citizens with the skills to succeed in a changing world. 

But what does this mean?

Whenever we do things for our children instead of letting them do it themselves, we remove a learning opportunity. Sometimes we do this because it's faster, it's less stressful and possibly (read "probably") because we think we will do a better job. Our children, however, will miss out on an experience that develops not only their skills but their resilience. ​

I saw a great example of this on the weekend when my daughter and family arrived at short notice with another family for dinner. Instead of having five to feed, I suddenly had ten! After I managed to get everyone fed, I went to start washing up (we don't have a dishwasher) when my daughter insisted that the kids could wash up. What I witnessed was a learning opportunity for a group of kids who hadn't done the washing up before. She instructed them on how to wash up in the sink, to dry the dishes front and back, and to stack them neatly before putting them away. There was water everywhere, lots of dishes returned to the sink as they were deemed not clean enough by the drying child, and one smashed glass, together with some frustration, a few raised voices and me sitting observing it all, wondering if it would ever end. 

If I had done the washing up, those children would have missed out on learning some practical skills. But they also learnt how to act on instructions, how to do things in order, how to work as a team and most importantly, how to cope when things go wrong. With calm and considered words this group of children were shown that their efforts mattered even if they were beginners. I learnt that I don't have to do everything when others around me are just as capable.

We all have the chance to show our children that repeated effort and application will eventually lead to success. Sometimes it takes someone else to remind us to sit back and let them have a go. 

Ms Chris Hawkins

Deputy Principal (Acting)