I have begun to sing Christmas carols in the corridors of the College and enjoyed listening to them in my car as I drive to work each day. Thomas Hassall has captured my heart and spirit this year and I want to thank you all for helping to shape such a remarkable community. We are all different. I am also aware that not every child learns at the same rate or in the same way. This is a challenge. We need to not only work together, but to also understand the diversity of experience and background that impacts our approach to learning. This year, I have committed to meeting as many of you as I can and engaging in conversations about learning and your expectations.
For some families, your desire is for safety and encouragement. For others the focus is on patience and interventions to support different learning challenges. For still others, you want academic growth and rigour. Please know, I am listening. There is no quick fix. The only constant is that we have different needs within our families. What I do want is for every child, every student, to feel supported and able to do their best so that everyone progresses. The difficulty is that sometimes, our perspectives are individual not focused on the greater good for all. In 2025, the college will focus on classroom culture. This will mean an emphasis on routines and behaviours that enable every student to learn. Please speak to your children over the break. Their behaviour matters. Their efforts with home learning matters. Their continual search to be the best version of themselves not only supports their individual achievement, it also has a significant impact on others. Classes may look a little different, we will introduce more study focused days for our senior students. These changes are about supporting your child.
As we navigate these changes, I invite you to partner with us, embracing the vision of a community that looks out for everyone. At the heart of this mission is the message of Christmas: Jesus came into the world for all of us. His birth reminds us of the profound importance of love, grace, and unity. Let us be a community that reflects these values, striving to care for one another and recognising how our actions shape the whole.
I wish you all a joyful, restful, and safe Christmas season. May you find peace in the love of Christ and hope in His promise. I look forward to welcoming you back in the New Year as we continue this exciting journey together.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6