In this Newsletter:

• A message from Mr Andrews,
• Secondary Highlights,
• Parental Guidance,
• Upcoming events,

 

Mr Andrews Almanac

Embracing the Journey: Childhood Extends Beyond High School

As exams and deadlines loom for our senior secondary students, I am often reminded that these semi-formed adults are indeed still children in many ways. Biologically, adolescence does not end until the early 20s, when our children are well into the cut-and-thrust of making big life-moves. When our students graduate, they are still children, despite the trappings of adulthood afforded to them.

As time races on, I’d like to provide a few thoughts on how to slow down, observe and nurture the last stages of a childhood.

Celebrate the Small Milestones: Acknowledge each step and pause to shine light on the little moments, getting L-plates and driving lessons, first jobs and the last of the school camps are all features of the journey.

Foster Curiosity, Exploration and Personal Growth: It is never too late to try something new and whilst our adolescent children are generally locked onto favourite activities and pastimes, trying something new that promotes togetherness has many benefits for all.

Embrace Life Skills: As our children approach adulthood, it becomes crucial to focus on developing practical life skills. Teaching them essential skills such as financial literacy, problem-solving, time management, and effective communication is important. These skills empower them to become independent, responsible individuals.

Accept the Role of Error: I always say that high school is a ‘cheap’ place to make mistakes. We can also learn the value of error and learning from it in these formative years.

Take care,

Bennet Andrews, Head of Campus

Secondary Highlights

Arts Tour

Over the April school holidays our Senior Arts students went on the trip of a lifetime to Sydney and Melbourne to be completely immersed in the Arts. Students had a great time together and are sure to remember this trip for the rest of their lives. Thanks to the staff who went along for the ride!

Lest We Forget

Our ANZAC service took place in bright sunshine as students returned to school for Term 2.

Senior Production

Rehearsals are continuing. Put the 10th and 11th of August in your calendar for the ‘Season of Chamber Music’ by Arthur Kopit.

House Cross Country

Our House Cross Country was run and won in week 4, congratulations to Parresia House for taking out the win.

Careers Expo

On Wednesday, 17th May our Year 10 students from both campuses, engaged in the 2023 Careers Expo on the Carramar campus. Thanks to Sarah Cooke and Rob Crewe for their coordination of this annual event which connects our students with workplace and tertiary providers. The opportunity to gain information and ask questions ahead of subject selection for upper school was invaluable for students’ decision making.

Sport 

Our Basketball, Netball, Soccer and AFL teams have been in action against other schools across the term. Several teams experienced success and progressed to the top 16 schools across the state before bowing out. The Senior Netball team and the Junior AFL teams have upcoming fixtures against schools from across the metro area, with our Netballers hosting the next round on August 1st.

Parental Guidance

Families throughout Australia come in many varied shapes and sizes. Regardless of the size or make-up of any family, 3 distinct features stand out when considering the development of children and youth. 

Supportive structures – for family environments to be successful in developing children under our care, we need to have support networks surrounding them. A home life that provides for the needs of a child’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. 

Consistent messaging – for young people to grow into mature adults contributing to society, consistency in our approach to discipline and expected standards of behaviour is essential. The idea that “we walk the talk” is imperative. Our young people will follow the example that is provided for them. Consistent messaging with appropriate boundaries and consequences for behaviour, provides our young people with clear guidelines for how to live their lives. 

Unconditional love – without a doubt there will be times where your child will make errors in judgement, engage in dangerous activities, perhaps participate in undesirable activities. Appropriate discipline and sanctions must always be combined with unconditional love. If your child knows that they are loved, regardless of the mistakes they make, they will find comfort that they are not defined by their mistakes and that they can approach their parents or other family members with confidence when looking for guidance and wise counsel. 

Upcoming Events

• 31st May – 2nd June – Year 12 Retreat

• 1st June  – ACC Interschool Cross-country

• 14th June – The Makuru Music Concert

• 21st June – Volleyball competition

• 22nd June – World Religions excursion