Assistant Principal - Learning and Wellbeing - Happening Events

A Sense of Entitlement?

Many teachers reflect that although schools are always busy, Term 2 is often the busiest time of the year, There are a number of sporting events including the athletics carnival, various codes of football, netball and hockey. There are also lots of events associated with the arts including the musical, School of Rock and the Armidale Eisteddfod which is currently underway and where our drama students have given some great performances already. Musicians and our choir are awaiting their turn. Further to that are cultural events such as Founders Day and the Vinnies Winter Appeal. I haven't even mentioned  the various excursions that are pending. 

I don't mention all this business to highlight the great opportunities that students have but rather as a reminder that our focus can at times be distracted from our core work which is teaching and learning. The majority of students' time is still in class and the focus is on learning processes and content not only associated with the various key learning areas but also learning that can be transferred and used throughout life. It is very important. 

The phrase "a sense of entitlement" is often overused in the media and often out of context in addressing young people. Most young people at O'Connor are very egalitarian. Wealth, status and postcodes mean very little to a student playing handball in the quad. A sense of entitlement can however be seen when students believe that just turning up for school is sufficient for their education. Students need to be actively involved and responsible for their own education. This means acknowledging the "why" or the reason that students are in class, it means being prepared and ready for class with pens, pencils and a charged device. It also means giving your best effort in class by listening and following the instructions of the helpful adults that staff schools. Most students are very good at this, but in the busyness of the busiest term of the year, it is a timely reminder.

Mr Damian Roff

Assistant Principal - Learning and Wellbeing

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