Missing the Olympics?

Is anyone else missing the Olympics?

Full disclosure: once every four years, I become a fully fledged Olympics tragic. While from week to week I only have a passing interest in sport, there’s something about those five colourful rings and the anticipation of two weeks of competition that captures my attention. I seem to magically transform into an armchair expert on the rules of Rugby 5 or the scoring process for the synchonised diving. I wonder if, with enough effort, focus and the right coach, I might be able to beat the Serbian badminton team? This year, I woke my family up at 5.00am several days in a row so we could cheer on the Fox sisters in the most magnificent Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross events.

It’s fantastic to get the opportunity to recognise achievement; but even more so, to acknowledge the many days, weeks and years of effort that lead to the pinnacle. I love watching the athletes celebrate with their family and friends, those who know firsthand the sacrifices that have been made to get to the winner’s podium.

Last week some Calvin staff were privileged to attend an awards ceremony for the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL). These awards recognise and celebrate educational leaders who have made a significant contribution to the understanding and practice of leadership in schools. It was with immense pride that we saw two members of our Calvin community, Bek Morrision-Carr and Scott Ambrose, recognised for excellence in their field.

Bek is a highly accomplished teacher who specialises in middle years literacy and learning enrichment. She maintains excellent connections with her students, taking time to understand their unique learning needs and tailoring her teaching to give them the best possible chance for progress and success. Bek has been particularly active in developing her skills in differentiation and literacy instruction; this is paired with her outstanding practices of pastoral care and passion for supporting each student in her care.

Scott’s leadership and passion for education are evident in so many areas of school community. He demonstrates understanding and care for all students at Calvin and leads the staff with wisdom, insight and diligence. Scott is intentional in the initiatives he has implemented in the teaching and learning space; these include the creation of specialised Professional Learning Teams, peer-to-peer observations as well as the service-based opportunities that many of our students have benefited from. In all things, Scott’s genuine faith is fundamental in guiding our school community and building an environment of grace filled learning and care.

It is great to recognise these achievements and give thanks to God for His good work through Bek and Scott. While their humility would certainly prevent them from sharing their achievements with you, as a proud colleague I am more than happy to celebrate with them this recognition of their hard work.

Stelle Carmichael - Head of Students

'Soft Skills'...

My Psychology students are currently completing their externally assessed Investigation Projects.

This project requires them to develop and undertake their own primary research task to test a psychological theory. Having taught this subject for a decade, I know that the process of collecting and collating data, creating graphs, conducting literature reviews, editing drafts, responding to feedback and preparing final documents can be frustrating and time consuming. But I still believe that the learning that takes place in the process of completing a project such as this one is valuable. It allows the development of ‘soft skills’ such as problem solving, adaptability, critical thinking, communication and time management. These skills are easily transferrable to new situations in personal relationships and in the workforce. 

While they are sought after, soft skills are not easily learnt. They take self-reflection, active prioritisation and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. 

Research has shown that one of the best ways to develop soft skills is through stepping into a leadership position. Even a small leadership role such as leading a small team or committee at work, church or school can provide the experience needed to grow in these skills.

“While they are sought after, soft skills are not easily learnt. ”

At Calvin, we see personal growth when students join Student Council, lead an assembly or spearhead a fundraising initiative such as Shave for the Cure or the Winter Sleepout (which is taking place this week!). We witness adaptability and resilience when students participate in the annual school production, lead Year 7 students through the Building Bridges program or volunteer at the Oliebollen Festival.

My own leadership journey has allowed me to realise significant personal growth in these areas also. Alongside soft skills, leadership of a school community has facilitated my growth in many of the “Learner Attributes” that we desire to develop in our students:  courage, resilience, compassion, curiosity, reflection and integrity. While I have a way to go in fully realising these qualities, I am thankful to be in a community where I can experience personal and professional growth.

As the school grows, there are a number of new teaching and leadership positions available at Calvin. My encouragement to current staff and members of the Calvin community is to consider whether now is a good time to step into one of these positions. While I can’t promise it will be easy, I am confident that it will provide opportunities for personal and professional growth in a transformational Christian Learning Community.

Bonny Moroni - Head of Secondary

The Blessings of Growth

It is with great excitement and gratitude that we reflect on a season of significant growth and new beginnings for our School.

Last Monday, we had the joy of opening our four new classroom spaces and placing a time capsule in the wall. We will open this capsule in 25 years time and we were able to ponder what life might be like and how the school and community may change by 2049.

I recently read a Strategic Plan from the early 2000s that set a plan to grow the Primary School to 220 students at some stage in the future. This was looking at projections of the growing Kingborough Community and the previous growth patterns of the School. This was a goal from over 20 years ago and through God’s provision and blessing this has well and truly been accomplished. This year we currently have over 320 students in our Primary School, all being offered the opportunity to grow and be nurtured in our Christian School environment!

“Each classroom, learning space, and gathering area will serve as a place where our children’s curiosity and faith are nurtured,”

Our growth in students and new facilities represents more than just numbers or bricks and mortar. They symbolise the fruits of the collective labour and faith of the Calvin community in the past and present, all paving the way for the growth and development of our student community. They are a testament to God's provision and our shared commitment to creating an environment where students can flourish academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Each classroom, learning space, and gathering area will serve as a place where our children’s curiosity and faith are nurtured, and where they are encouraged to grow into the people God has destined them to be.

As we embark on this new chapter, let us embrace the changes with a spirit of joy and anticipation. We celebrate the ways in which these new spaces will enrich our educational experience and foster deeper connections within our school family. We ask for your continued prayers and support as we provide Christian Education to families within our community. We look forward to seeing where God’s provision and blessings take us to in 2049 when the time capsule is opened. No doubt again, He will exceed our goals and expectations when we put our trust and faith in Him!

Andrew Nash - Head of Primary