The Zero Talent Zone

I am declaring Term 4 the ‘Zero Talent’ zone. 

Let me begin with the following disclaimer: in advocating the powerful virtue of the following 10 things that require zero talent, I am proposing that, regardless of your degree of academic success so far this year, you are able to bring great qualities to bear that will make a substantial difference. I am not advocating that talent is unnecessary. 

We readily acknowledge the importance of talent. Our ‘Calvin’s Got Talents’ program affirms that people have unique talents. We emphasise that with the motivation of a good cause, a heart that yearns with compassion for others, and God given creativity we are able to make a difference in the lives of individuals and community. 

“Term 4 is often a time when students... [can] choose to become resigned to a less than ideal outcome...”

We acknowledge that people are gifted according to their purpose. These gifts are bestowed unevenly. The causes of individuality, community and freedom require that to be the case. Individuality is self-evident in that we must all be different. Community requires difference to succeed in the way that the apostle Paul tells us that we are all parts of one body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Freedom requires diversity. 

Term 4 is often a time when students audit their academic progress and choose to become resigned to a less than ideal outcome. Comparison is the prime reason for this demotivation. Students compare their progress to their ideal and are persuaded by the distance remaining rather than by the progress made. Secondly, they compare themselves to others and are too often discouraged. Comparison is a scourge of achievement in this regard. 

The ‘10 things’ can be the antidote in this regard. Everyone has them in equal measure. 

The secret to their power is that they are a multiplier. Whatever talent you do have is multiplied by the application of these qualities. Consider the list carefully and you will see how every gift and talent would be amplified by applying the ‘10 things’. 

The equation might look something like this:

Unexpected Success = (Natural IQ) x (Passion + Effort + Attitude + Doing Extra + Being Coachable)

I encourage everyone to approach the last term of 2019 with a powerful mix of audacious goals, a positive attitude and a liberal sprinkling of these 10 things that require zero talent.

I declare the next eight weeks as the ‘Zero Talent’ zone. 

Thank You!

This year’s Oliebollen Festival, held last weekend, was a tremendous success. 

My abundant and sincere thanks to the organising committee and to school council for all their work in organising such a wonderful day of celebration for our community and honouring the spirit of our founders.

The Oliebollen Committee members are Ingrid Hartog, Kristina Parnham, Michelle Tromp, Elisa Severini, Carina Van der Kley, Lisa Cosentino, Sarah Marchioli, Anna Stam, and Trina Mangels.

“My abundant and sincere thanks to the organising committee and to school council”

Our school council members are Jeff Rivendell, Gen Muenchhagen, Elisa Severini, Stephen Hofman, and Neesha-Marie Hartog. 

These parents make a significant difference in the lives of everyone in our school community. They have my thanks and appreciation for the visionary work that they undertake to enable events like Oliebollen and others to enrich our community. 

There were a great number of parents and community members who laboured long and hard on the day. We are indebted to your enthusiasm in work and commitment to the vision of the school and the Festival’s place in it.

“There were a great number of parents and community members who laboured long and hard on the day. We are indebted to your enthusiasm in work and commitment.”

One initiative that brought joy and learning was the inclusion this year of student baristas, who served people throughout the day on Saturday. Several weeks ago, students undertook barista training. They worked to develop their skills during the co-curricular lesson by making coffee for the staff. Each student received feedback on their coffee creation via an online survey. Under the guidance of Pat and Anna Stam, confidence and skill developed quickly. The students were in no doubt of the delight their work brought staff as they were awaited with eager anticipation and met with great enthusiasm. A simple activity that connected staff and students in a most affirming and encouraging manner.

Prestigious Award

We congratulate the exceptional achievement of Caleb Boonstra who has been awarded the Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) Education Award for 2019. This is a very sought-after award with only two being presented in Tasmania this year, and as such, is a commendation of the highest order for Caleb. 

School Surveys

I extend my thanks to all the parents, students and staff who completed the satisfaction surveys in recent months. I received these yesterday and they are very encouraging and informative. This feedback is vital for us to understand your perceptions. It is only one measure of our seeking to understand the experiences of members in our community. In the coming weeks, at the commencement of next term, it is my intention to have some focus group meetings with parents to further clarify the reasons for particular answers. I look forward to making these connections in a relaxed and conversational manner. The details of these meetings will be communicated early next term.

Iain Belôt – Principal

Oliebollen and Announcements

Oliebollen

On the eve of Oliebollen, I wish to thank the School Council and the Oliebollen Committee for their exceptional dedication to the cause of Calvin in Community.

It is noteworthy that the Oliebollen Festival is the third biggest event in Kingston after Australia Day and Anzac Day.

The small group of volunteers who organise the Festival are quite remarkable for their dedication, efficiency and vision. The funds raised from this year’s event will be used to support the resourcing of Kindergarten and Prep classes, as we continue to offer an exceptional beginning to school.

A free shuttle bus service has been organised to alleviate the parking congestion around the school.

Hopefully tomorrow will be another blockbuster of an occasion. Last year we estimated that 15,000 people attended the event. Please come and be one of the many who attend this year.

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Curriculum Leaders Announced

The learning outcomes of students in our primary school are impressive by any measure. This is widely recognised and an element contributing to the growth in enrolments. We are committed to securing this excellence and broadening the areas in which students may excel.

To this end, I am pleased to announce the creation of two new leadership positions in the primary school. The role of Curriculum Leader will focus on organising learning, supporting excellent instruction, and working to support in professional development.

I am pleased to announce that Karalyn Bylsma is the Curriculum Leader for Years K to Year 2, and Colleen Anning is the Curriculum Leader for Years 3 to 6. Karalyn and Colleen will begin these roles immediately, and have been appointed until the conclusion of 2021. These appointments will allow our school to continue to increase its excellence in learning and care.

I would like at this time to express my gratitude to both Andrew Nash and the staff, both teachers and aides, for their work in teaching and learning. The teachers have worked very effectively as a team in recent years. The effective team work and commitment to Christian Education is the very reason our students progress so capably. This new structure will afford both greater support and issues to be addressed more specifically.

I would like to commend the work and passion of Andrew Nash. Since joining us Andrew has carried these responsibilities for curriculum within his role as Deputy Principal. He has done a wonderful job in building community, bringing efficiency and fostering a climate of care.

Iain Belôt – Principal