From the Principal 

This week, I thoroughly enjoyed a ‘learning walk’ around Myrniong with Head of Junior School, Stephen Nelson.  I deliberately chose to visit during their morning literacy focus and I was thrilled to see the extent of student engagement in all our classrooms. 

I learnt many new things like what a ‘diagraph’ was in InitialLit lessons and the impact of Year 2 & 3’s first excursion to Flagstaff Hill.  I firsthand discovered the benefits of our commitment to ‘The Writing Revolution’ in the way upper primary wrote their samples.  Most importantly, I was inspired by the mastery of our specialist teachers who demonstrated both teacher credibility and teacher clarity as Tim O’Leary would advocate.  For more on teacher credibility, this is an interesting read. 

Overall, I left convinced of the importance of cultivating ‘curiosity’ in all we do.  It sounds pretty simple - ask a few questions, get a few answers but curiosity is so much more.  It is the desire to know and learn, to probe and question, to wonder and explore.  It is the quest to understand and consider other experiences and points of view.  It means engaging with respect to others’ views, listening with an open mind and perhaps even changing your position. Being curious, manifested through the concept of inquiry, is fundamental for growing caring and compassionate young people who value knowledge, empathy and intercultural understanding as keys to a better, more peaceful world. In my humble opinion our Junior School ELC – Year 6 are doing a mighty job to lay the foundation to this vitally important outcome.

Finally please note, the 2021 Annual Report is now available to read on the College website.

Dr Andrew Hirst