A number of years ago we decided to expand our family home to include an area downstairs.
With advice from family members with experience in construction, we drew up some rough plans and had them prepared for submission to council.
It seemed relatively straightforward on the plans, and we had been looking for a weekend venture to work on together, so decided to project manage the build ourselves. Surely, we could manage this relatively straight forward process, we told each other. Surely, we would be using our new living area within six months, we said.
We now have a lovely expanded house but it was neither straight forward nor easy. It was a year-long, complicated process and we needed to draw on the skills and experience of trusted professionals along the way. As issues arose, we compromised and made changes to our plans simply to allow us to move forward. Anyone who has seen building or renovations shows on TV has witnessed this struggle. But it was worth it. We learnt a lot and now have a lovely living area and additional bedroom and bathroom.
Last Thursday the Calvin Library and Resource Centre on the Secondary Campus was buzzing with students and teachers at the Year 11 & 12 Subject Expo. All Year 10 students from Calvin and Emmanuel were engaged in an activity that required them to plan out a possible two-year program of post-Year 10 study or training that would allow them to achieve their TCE and/or an ATAR score. Some students were confident in project managing this task, constructing a program with clear pathways into university or work options. Others pieced together a practical plan that would allow last minute changes and broad avenues into study or work. Still others admitted that they felt out of their depth and needed additional assistance to work out their plan.
“Drawing on the support and expertise of those who have more skill will be necessary... As will stepping outside of a comfort zone to allow personal reflection and growth. ”
All of these responses are normal for Year 10 students. Through career education in our Personal Development Program, pathways meetings with Carly Brouwer, the Calvin Pathways Co-ordinator, and discussion of personal skills and strengths in Home Room, students have begun the journey of planning their future. Some will choose an academic pathway with ATAR as a focus and others will find themselves engaging in apprenticeships or training. Many will pursue a general pathway that affords many options.
As with our house extension, drawing on the support and expertise of those who have more skill will be necessary from time to time. As will stepping outside of a comfort zone to allow personal reflection and growth.
We count it as a privilege to work with young people as they plan their future. In many ways the process is more important than the final career path. So is knowing that changes and compromises are to be expected and even embraced. “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — Jeremiah 29:11
Bonny Moroni – Head of Secondary