United as a learning community
This week is Unite Week! As this is my first Unite Week, I have loved the build-up. It has been great hearing the students and staff alike speak with enthusiasm, energy and passion about the activities of the week and the opportunity to celebrate one another’s cultural background. Excitement grew further when the flags were hung around the College last week.
I have loved learning about the community across my first semester at the College. There are many things that unite us as a learning community. We are a community of rich cultural heritage. It has been wonderful to see the students’ ownership of this. We are a united community committed to respecting one another. It has been encouraging to hear the student leaders speak about this at key College events and to see it evident across the student body.
Over the last week it has been clear that we are almost universally united by the World Cup. While not all students and families are captured by the excitement of the global event, there has certainly been a buzz amongst the students (and staff and parents) as ‘my team’ has entered the competition. I’m glad that FIFA looked after things to ensure that it coincided so perfectly with Unite Week.
I have also learnt that we are united by a commitment to holistic learning. Over the last couple of weeks, we have had the opportunity to celebrate the achievement, participation and engagement of students across the term at the Junior School Celebration Assembly and the regular Senior School Assembly. It has been wonderful to hear of the breadth of the students’ involvement from class-based learning, sport representation, Duke of Edinburgh's award, dance, music and more. We have a vibrant College full of rich learning opportunities.
This dedication to learning extends beyond our students. Last week, I was chatting with someone about this Friday being the last day of term, and I was quick to point out that our staff will actually be back on Monday and Tuesday of the following week for two professional development days. Far from a chore, the opportunity for our staff to engage in sustained learning together is invaluable. It provides a vital chance for individual and collective growth, allows us to further develop our cohesive approach to teaching, and gives us space to reflect on student progress. I look forward to this time together, knowing it will strengthen our team as we continue to focus on our students and their holistic growth.
As the holidays arrive, I trust the break will provide the rest and refreshment that each member of our community needs to return for another fantastic term of shared learning.
