The teacher simply wants the best for their student. By Year 12, we would expect that the student recognises their role in changing the narrative, to take responsibility, submit the work and of course the next lesson is a new beginning.
Self-leadership is the key to the change we need to see. Our girls are acutely aware of the changes that have beset their world over the past two years; even the younger girls speak about the constant adjustments required to adapt to current expectations and guidelines. A rapidly changing world has become a reality.
Each school year marks another stage in the journey towards independence. This is most obviously seen in Kindergarten, as their life outside the home becomes more dominant, and in Year 12, on the cusp of adulthood and all its responsibilities. But in fact, it is true for girls of every age.
Thank you all for your support over this most unexpected year. We are truly fortunate to enjoy such strong bonds within our Queenwood community and even though we could not gather in person for the final events this week, the sense of connection has remained palpable.
Patience, the capacity to delay gratification, empowers students to avoid temptations and focus on learning. It is this patience that allows them to withstand failure, have faith their efforts will eventually be rewarded, and persevere.
As with most things, gaining some distance from high school has made me better appreciate the lessons I was taught, and the opportunities I was given at Queenwood. I am only two years out of school and already I can see the impact that the Social Justice Programme had on me. I see it in my engagement with the world around me, and my ability to navigate new challenges and connections with people.
Does the idea of volunteering make you want to run away? With most of us leading super busy lives, giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward may seem an impossible and meaningless task. However, volunteering is important for many reasons and doesn't have to take up too much time.
As they explore a brief, students must become adept at failing, they must embrace it wholeheartedly. So, what do we teach in design? We teach the art of problem solving. We teach the skill of learning through robust exploration. We teach students to grow ideas based on targeted research and rigorous testing. We teach students to see a path forward when the road they were on leads to an impasse.
Research shows how important it is to take an explicit approach to the teaching of early literacy if students are to flourish. Together we can develop these early literacy skills as a vital foundation upon which to build further skills. Getting this right from the beginning is essential.
Environmental issues loom larger than ever now and our students have many opportunities to learn about these issues, from simple ways to reduce energy use in Kindergarten to global climate or sustainable urban environments in Year 12. Just as importantly, girls have the opportunity to take action and learn how to translate ideas into action.
This week marks the 50th anniversary of Miss Beatrice Lilias Rennie’s passing on the 4th of September 1971. Miss Rennie has been remembered for her air of strength and leadership and her infectious love of literature.