From the Principal

Expect the best from our young people

Whilst the end of Semester might seem to be a long way off, this term will no doubt fly past like any other busy term.  We start with a series of short weeks, then move into events like the Feast of Edmund Rice Mass and Open Day.  These all can be a distraction to our core business of learning.  I encourage all families and the young people of our community especially, to work collaboratively with our highly committed staff in preparing for the end of Semester 1 so that each and every student is given the best opportunity to make the most of their talents. Hopefully very, very few students will be looking at their school report and thinking “If only I’d …”.

A very important element in helping the students to achieve is what we expect. Expectations exert a tremendous influence on what each student is able to achieve. Research urges teachers and students to set their sights high – and mean it.  The result will be improved student learning.

Just about every school, teacher and parent says they hold high expectations for their children. However, what is said may not be truly believed - and it is the belief that moves the learner.

Having high expectations is not all that is needed for students to succeed. Teaching and learning are very complex. But high expectations, from the adults in their lives, are the launching pad, the base from which students can aim for the stars and, using their own abilities and efforts, achieve their learning mission.

Hopefully, we will be able to emphasise to our young people the importance of having high expectations of themselves, especially in the ways in which we demonstrate our own expectations of ourselves.

As adults, whatever we want our young people to be, we have to demonstrate it to them and be successful role models for them, so they can see the benefits of what it is we are leading them to be. If we abdicate leadership, we deprive our young people of guidance and create opportunities for perhaps less desirable influences to enter their lives; all the more reason for us to be upfront leaders and role models.

If we are adults who lead, we can create opportunities for our young people to thrive. We should never be apologetic about demanding high standards. Our students need us to set standards and clearly define boundaries where there is freedom for them to make positive choices about their intended achievements and their social responsibilities. We assume leadership in this area, because we are more experienced, knowledgeable and wise. To be successful in this area, we need to be relaxed, warm and accepting whilst still being firm and insistent.

This week we pray for leadership as parents / carers in supporting our young people.

Kort Goodman - Principal - KGoodman@sjc.qld.edu.au