By Mr Craig Frattini - Acting Principal

A key focus this year has been to engage our staff in deeper discussions and understanding of concept of Growth mindset. Through this professional development, staff have had the opportunity to look at their own mindsets and apply this knowledge to their teaching practice. 

The concept of growth mindsets is about providing an opportunity to “grow” and just because you have a growth mindset doesn’t necessarily mean you will achieve that growth. The role of the teacher is to not only encourage a growth mindset, it is also about identifying “how” the growth can be achieved. It is about looking at each student and providing them with the skills, experiences and support in order to achieve that growth.

Dr Pat Coughlan, at the recent Principal Forum, used an analogy of a stone wall in describing schools and educational institutions. Like the stones used to construct the wall, we are all different shapes and sizes and we all have our own uniqueness. Collectively as a school our staff, students, parents and community members all come together in solidarity to achieve successful outcomes for our students.

As teachers we recognise each student’s uniqueness and then adapt our teaching to cater for the learning needs. Growth, however, doesn’t always happen in a classroom. Our mission is about the growth and development of the whole person through providing a variety of opportunities and experiences.

Currently there is a wealth of opportunities across the College including our musical, vocal group and rock band, various sporting opportunities such as Broncos Cup Netball and Rugby league, Bill Turner Cup Soccer and interhouse basketball, the interschool chess competition,  interschool debating, Science and Engineering Challenge, Riding for the disabled, House Masses, tutoring and of course all of the learning opportunities undertaken within the classroom. 

As we approach the end of the term and with so many opportunities available, it is important to highlight the importance of having not only a growth mindset but accepting the invitation to grow and to strive to be the best we possibly can be in all areas of our lives.

Have a lovely week.

Craig