“Relevance and Innovation”

Well-known Australian social demographer Mark McCrindle recently shared his research into the social capital that is developed by Independent Schools. His main idea was that schools such as Calrossy are anything but what the media sometimes calls ‘exclusive’ or ‘privileged’, finding that our sector contributes significantly to community and societal fabric in a large way. The range of activities within a school community such as us make a big difference. He found that a focus on service and other-person-centeredness has a positive impact on those within and outside a school community, in quite a profound manner, benefiting everyone.

As part of McCrindle’s address he also made a comment that resonated with me during our Centenary year. He stated, “ The strength of a school comes from its stories and traditions, but the future of a school rests in its relevance and innovation.”

I believe that this is true for Calrossy. One hundred years of education has seen many memorable stories of success of both teachers and students, celebrating achievement and the development of fabulous alumni. The importance of relationships and the impact of great educators has certainly stood out. Our traditions and stories have served us well and they are part of the depth and strength of the current Calrossy. I see it in the lives of alumni who have shared their experiences, often talking about what they did and the impact of their teachers, much more than what they learned. I also note it in our current students, who benefit from the rich traditions developed by those who have gone before.

However, a school cannot lie rooted in its past so must adapt and innovate in order to remain relevant to new generations of students. It is what makes change hard. A wonderful past does not necessarily equal a rich future. Getting a balance between the past and future is the tricky part of school growth and development and it explains why aspects of our recent history have been hard. The rich traditions of 100 years of Girls at Calrossy, in combination with the powerful culture developed in the Primary and Boys parts of the school (both as William Cowper and Calrossy) have intersected in the process.

Making sense of our school is sometimes challenging but the primary focus must remain on ensuring that what is offered to parents and students is an education that is relevant, top quality and effective in equipping boys and girls for their lives beyond school. One of the measures of success is preparation for their future.

As we move into our next 100 years we must not only look to and celebrate our history but also look beyond now, to what we might become and the possibilities ahead. A key question must remain, what is best for the students themselves?

In a rapidly changing world, communication, technology and aspects of learning are different in some ways. However, such things as relationships, resilience, the importance of character and being ‘willing to have a go’ are just as applicable to today’s students as ever.

Calrossy will stay relevant in the future by remaining committed to being a place in which young men and women learn together, under our unique ‘Diamond Model’, enjoying the benefits of outstanding teaching and learning at every stage. The inclusive culture grown in the school will promote a rich variety of activities in an environment that promotes growth and maturity. Developing character and resilience, supporting student growth and wellbeing and producing well-rounded students will remain very integral, enabling every child to develop their individual skills and talents, to achieve their personal best and thrive.

Staffing News

Head of Secondary Mr Eliot Sanger has indicated that he has accepted a position as Principal of a Campus at Arethusa College, Deception Bay QLD and is leaving Calrossy at the end of 2019.

Mrs Holly Goodman has resigned her Primary Learning Support role to support a family member requiring significant care.

We shortly welcome our new school psychologist Kathleen Carmody to Calrossy. She will initially be based on the Brisbane Street Campus but with the move to a revised model in 2021, we will explore a different configuration to best support our students then.

Regional Tour

It has been my privilege to be part of a Calrossy roadshow, visiting some of our regional centres in the last week. It was fabulous to travel to Glenn Innes, Inverell, Barraba, Willow Tree, Murrurundi, Nundle, Scone, Singleton, Gloucester and Port Macquarie. Whilst one predominant theme was the devastating drought, I was also impressed by the resilience and inventiveness of the many people we met, all upbeat and committed to making the best of difficult circumstances.

Secondary Notices

Save the Date for Calrossy in Concert!