Head of Junior School
Enthusiasm: I am excited by learning and always try my best.
Compete, try your best, fail or fall down, get up and try again. For many a great athlete this has been a mantra that has seen them succeed and become the best in their chosen field. Michael Jordan said "I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. 26 times I have been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. That is why I succeed."
I have given our boys a challenge this year. I have asked them to do something hard, something challenging, to try and try again. I challenged them to learn from failing, to ask for help and give it another go. For some, this will be difficult.
We work to make our learning engagements fun. To present the work in a manner that excites the boys about the task ahead of them and about learning. Creating this enthusiasm for learning and trying hard is a skill that our teachers do very well.
Provocations for learning in a given unit assist in tuning the boys into the learning ahead of them. We aim for this to create enthusiasm for the work they will explore and an eagerness to share what they have discovered.
I have seen this enthusiasm from our boys from the very beginning of the school year. Most came to school ready and eager to reunite with friends and to begin their new journey. At the beginning of the year I have seen it spill over into engagements in lesson, the playground, friendships and sport.
Last Wednesday boys from Year 3-5 took part in the Inter-House Swimming Carnival. For many it was their first experience of an inter-house event. For five of our teachers it was their first experience of an inter-house event. The day was outstanding, but the anticipation and nervousness of many of the boys was clear to see.
Before the carnival at the Kiss and Drop, I spotted one of our boys walking back to his car to go home. I asked him what was the matter and why he needed to leave. He indicated he was nervous and apprehensive about the challenge ahead of him. We spoke about the importance of trying hard and doing the very best for ourselves. He agreed to have a go. Later at the carnival I asked him how he was going. He responded with great enthusiasm that he was having a great day.
Embracing the challenge, trying hard and demonstrating an enthusiasm for what is ahead of us brings benefits in a range of areas. I congratulate our teachers for their work to create these feeling in the boys and I congratulate the boys for rising to the challenge.
John Stewart
Head of Junior School
