From the Principal
I enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the Preparatory School students at our assembly today on the topic of ‘Resilience’. The focus of my comments to our younger students was on the importance of bouncing back following setbacks and disappointments. It can be hard for us to make mistakes and then respond positively, to realise it is acceptable to get things wrong and that we learn from these experiences.
There is some irony in me presenting to our young students on this topic, as the reality is that they are often better at demonstrating resilience than adults. Growing through childhood and adolescence is full of moments of uncertainty, confronting fears and negotiating new challenges. The students do bounce back, they are prepared to confront new and difficult situations and they continue to grow through these experiences. At times as parents we can be too focused on smoothing out the path for our children and forget that they will only truly grow and develop by learning to deal with adversity. I know that my three adult children in Perth are certainly learning through the experience of looking after themselves and the demands of independent living!
This period of uncertainty and challenge we have all been facing with COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of flexibility of thinking, working together collaboratively and being creative when problem-solving. Resilience throughout the school community has been required and it has been pleasing to see staff being prepared to take risks, try new initiatives and realise it has been acceptable to make mistakes in doing so, and grow from the experience.
I continue to be most thankful for the support we have received from parents and carers throughout this period. This has been in tangible ways through messages of support, valuable feedback, encouragement and the much appreciated staff morning tea treats, some of which are still being enjoyed (I don’t know how the Tim Tams packets have lasted so long in Lone Oak). I acknowledge and respect that this support has been provided whilst families have been dealing with their own personal challenges.
It has been pleasing to see more cocurricular activities again becoming available for the students, particularly with sports training resuming. The announcement that community sport will be recommencing from the start of July, in line with the AIS Framework, is most encouraging and we look forward to the potential opportunity to return to fixtures in Term 3.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Mr Webber enjoyed reading to Preparatory School students during last week’s National Reconcilation Week and speaking with them about Resilience during their assembly today.