As the College reaches towards its maximum size, our teachers and staff are engaged in a process of reviewing such plans and purposes to see if we can improve the learning outcomes for all students. We want to be in a position to undertake new innovations in learning whether in special programs like STEM, or Languages learning in the Junior School, or, as we have already established, to undertake to introduce very special and creative programs such as the Year 4 Music program to all children, especially aimed at those who would not normally have the opportunity.
Other areas of high level Science programs or targeted sports programs feature in the array of innovations that are being implemented. We are raising questions about what excellence looks like – and given that our College motto is ‘A More Excellent Way’ – the pursuit of excellence is at the centre of all our programs. Our best ever HSC results in 2016 do not allow us to relax, or assume that we are achieving all that needs to be accomplished. Each new year presents a challenge to discover more, to explore the new innovations, to challenge each person to use their God-given talents and gifts for the good of all those around us; to encourage one another towards the next goal in the best possible ways. We think these aspirations are common goals for every College student, staff member and family. Our review processes will deliver a redefined set of plans to be released early in 2018.
The pursuit of excellence is as much about the maturing of a person’s character perhaps even more than the pursuit of the best achievements. We often see over the years of a young person’s learning journey, that personality and character matures, and especially as our students reach the latter years of their College life. I often say … ‘everyone finds a way to grow up..’ and by that I mean that the common experience for young people is to learn through difficult situations or the testing times of their abilities and emotional strength. It’s important to be placed into new experiences because there is so much change in our world; to learn through practice and hard work; to develop patience and resilience by completing every task. We need young adults who have a drive and energy and concern to take on the new adventures that life will place before them.
Something of what excellence is about is also a theme that the Bible takes up in several places including in the New Testament in 2 Peter Chapter 1. It reads in part this way:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble…
Interestingly the writer says, the pursuit of excellence of character will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge – of the Lord Jesus, yes, and no doubt every other important knowledge I suggest we can assume. Our review of the student learning and well-being frameworks and programs will have the pursuit of excellence as a priority goal, and we look forward to talking with College families about the next stage plans for the students at the College.
As the College year draws to a close, end of semester academic reports are nearing completion. Thank you for your understanding of the pressure on staff to complete these important documents. Please contact your child’s teachers for any questions related to the detail contained in the reports.
We hope to see you all at the upcoming Celebration events in both Junior and Senior Schools – events that will bring the year to a close with awards and performances by the majority of students.
