Message from the Principal
On Feedback
Many years ago, I attended a residential course on leadership, at Melbourne University. The course had a long lead time with full psychometric testing prior to the residential component, with 360 degree feedback tools being employed.
Part of the course was to sit down with one of the presenters and walk through the self-evaluation, and compare it with the feedback that peers, my bosses and direct reports had supplied. Each one of these meetings commenced with the line “all feedback is a gift”. Sometimes, when we receive feedback, it doesn’t feel like a gift, or at least, not a gift that we would gladly receive!
The role of principal has changed quite significantly since I first accepted the position all of those years ago, and the demands from government, regulators, staff, students, and parents have also shifted. Quite often my inbox feels like it is filled with problems, concerns and complaints. This is part and parcel of the job, and I am sure many parents/carers will likewise experience the same challenge in their work.
However, what has delighted me of late is the affirmation of our staff, and the positive correspondence I have received from a number of staff, parents, and even community members. It is really gratifying to have someone notice, and then take the time to make positive comment about an activity, initiative, or the extra effort that people have made. I am grateful for these. Regardless of how old we are, we all get a buzz from some form of recognition from time to time.
Our students are our best asset. Of course, at times they get things wrong and make poor choices, but so many of our students do the right thing day in and day out, and also take the initiative to offer a positive word. Each week I get a small opportunity to meet with students who are celebrating a birthday during that week. I wish them a happy birthday, ask about their birthday plans and offer them a chocolate bar. These brief exchanges are the highlight of my week. They often give rise to spontaneous conversations that are really encouraging. Simply having our students greet each other and staff warmly each morning is a first positive signal to start our day. I can only suggest that these kinds of efforts also serve to set us on a positive footing each morning.
I pray that your inbox this week has some gems, and bouquets among all of the other important stuff!
Student Voice and Agency
I have been really pleased in the last few weeks to meet with an array of students who have come to me either with suggestions, initiatives, and ideas that they would like to see implemented at the College. On Friday I had the privilege of meeting with Summer (Year 11) and Harry (Year 10) who came as representatives of the SRC and House Captains. Their meeting with me pertained to a number of matters regarding child safety. Recently, legislation was passed in the ACT promulgating the new child-safe standards. At our school, we have been keen to ensure that we are on the front foot in implementing these standards. Standard 2 specifically speaks to children and young people being informed about their rights, having active input into decisions that affect them, and that this input is taken seriously.
After holding a focus group meeting with more than 50 students, Harry and Summer discussed three main issues with me regarding child safety. These were:
- Solutions to bathroom concerns and issues at the College
- Providing students with information about how they might make a complaint when necessary
- How we advertise who the child safety officers at the College are.
I am so heartened by the maturity of our students who engage seriously in such conversations. Now that I have the input and wisdom from our students, we will go about implementing some changes, and advertising campaigns taking account of their suggestions and wishes. This is leadership in action.
Dr Craig Wattam
Principal