In this Communiqué, I want to pay testament to our Year 12 students.
Today was their final day of classes before examinations commence on Monday 11 November.
I have been deeply impressed with the contribution of these young people to building, fostering and amplifying the culture of Calvin. We place considerable emphasis on culture. The culture of an organisation is the most essential element in determining the overall outcomes in wellbeing and in outcomes for both individuals and the collective group. The maxim rightly claims, “Culture eats strategy for lunch!”
“The class of 2019 are exceptional because they authentically live with inclusivity, generosity and compassion.”
The complexity of schools works against the development of a coherent culture. We have students of all ages and stages of development, a great variety of parental perspectives, and a popular culture often emphasising alternate views.
Students step into a culture in their early years and they increasingly impact the school culture as they approach their senior year. In Year 12 their example and emphasis becomes a powerful bell note for the younger students, the community, the staff, and parents. These students demonstrate the values that actually exist in the school. In essence, they have the power to enhance and the power to erode their reputation and that of the school.
The class of 2019 are exceptional because they authentically live with inclusivity, generosity and compassion. Their experience as a cohort across six years at Calvin secondary afforded them opportunity to learn that you have to find a person’s soul before you know them, and that through loving someone as they are right now, you change their future. This group of people have lived with compassion for, and genuine acceptance of other people. I have been humbled and inspired by what I have observed them achieving in this regard. Impressively, they stepped beyond the human pettiness of easy criticism and natural suspicion for difference. This was not navigated easily on occasions. However, as God presented the experiences, this group embraced the lessons. Our community is enriched by their example of living for others.
“We have conversed to achieve a powerful outcome even though we sometimes commenced from different perspectives.”
It is entirely appropriate to acknowledge the contribution of the teaching staff to this process. Led most capably over six years by the Head of Year, Mrs Whiteley, these men and women have influenced in a myriad of important ways. Mrs Whiteley has fulfilled her responsibility to us all by delivering a strong cultural identity that is aligned with our school’s core values and spiritual heart. I thank her and all the staff for all they have contributed.
I am grateful to all the parents for their collaborative work through these years. We have added some polish to the impressive raw material, your children. On many occasions we have conversed to achieve a powerful outcome even though we sometimes commenced from different perspectives. Our mantra, ‘Quality schools are built on quality conversations’ has been proven valid and authentic on many occasions.
The public aspect of this group’s experience diminishes from today. Their study week is a private expression of unity, care and support. I have no doubt that they will continue to pursue the delicate balance of achieving personal goals amidst a deliberate caring of each other.
I thank them for their contributions, and desire every success for them in the coming weeks.
Iain Belôt – Principal