Principal's Reflection - 18 September

A Challenge to Students

This past Monday, our Year 9 students, as part of the RITE Journey program, undertook “The Abyss”. This experience, which involves climbing Mount Woowoonga, is a challenging and symbolic adventure that encourages resilience, courage and self-belief as students confront obstacles and push themselves beyond their comfort zone. When I asked, “How was it?”, there were plenty of stories of how hard it was, how exhausted the students were, and a little complaining about the difficulty. However, one of the students replied, “It will be great in hindsight.” Earlier this year I wrote about Type 2 Enjoyment: the idea that some enjoyment is brought about by doing something hard, uncomfortable or perhaps even scary. It is the sense of satisfaction, pride, and fulfilment you feel later that makes the activity enjoyable. I was very encouraged by the student’s response and later reflected on it with our Primary students at the weekly Assembly. As part of that reflection, I described a recent discussion I’d had with an employer who lamented that too many of the young people they employed resisted doing anything hard or that they didn’t already know how to do. This is certainly the opposite of the growth mindset we attempt to instil in students at St Luke’s. So I set our Primary students a challenge during the holiday period. I asked them to deliberately do something hard or new, and tell me about it when they return in Term 4. I look forward to hearing their stories, because one thing we know for sure is that overcoming challenge, difficulty and hardship is excellent for the developing brain and a child’s sense of self-efficacy. 

Farewell, Mrs Kennedy

Last Wednesday the School farewelled Mrs Kerry Kennedy with a guard of honour and afternoon tea. The School does not afford this honour without significant cause. Mrs Kennedy heads into her retirement after 27 years of dedicated service to the St Luke’s Community. The 'Office Lady' position in a school is such an important role. Mrs Kennedy has been the smiling face that greets parents, students and visitors alike. She's also been the first person an upset child turns to when they've hurt themselves, and the first person you tell when your tooth falls out at school. Known for her golden heart, meticulous organisational skills, creative spirit, and endless kindness toward our students and families (a sneaky treat or two for students collected later than others), Mrs Kennedy will be dearly missed by the entire St Luke’s community. We thank Mrs Kennedy for her many years of service and the significant contribution she has made to the School community, and wish her every happiness in retirement.