PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

As we come to the finish line of school year that’s been severely disrupted by Covid-19, the Summer holidays have finally arrived and we can all take a collective deep breath and have a communal sigh.

As the last day comes to an end for our students, the children are quick to move on and enjoy a well-earnt Summer break. For staff however, it is a different matter. Over the next 3 days we begin the task of preparing for another school year in 2022. (Hopefully free from the disruptions of Covid-19)

This “after the children have left work” is a very appropriate symbol of what we do in schools. We will look at the wear and tear of a school year, we will clean and repair it where we can and we will begin preparations for putting together the 2022 school year.

It is all about Reflection, Adjusting and Preparation. Life’s important big three.

As teachers we look at the past year’s teaching and learning, we reflect on it and adjust to make plans for improvement next year. Even our students will, perhaps informally, look at the past year, and decide where they need to improve and then mentally prepare goals for improving their learning next school.

Regardless of our role in education (teacher, student or parent) we need to actively engage in these three processes: reflection on the past, adjusting practices, and preparation for the future. It is important for every stakeholder to take the time to reflect on the past school year.

 Educators, parents and students must take a long and honest look at the past year to celebrate the successes and to learn from the failures. Most school years are filled with both, and both success and failure are necessary to foster growth and development in human beings.

 Each year educators, parents and students learn that success is never final and failure is not fatal. As teachers, we look at the past year and ask tough questions: Did I meet the needs of all my students? If I did not, what student needs weren’t met and what obstacles prevented me from meeting those needs? Did we make the most of every leaning opportunity? Was learning differentiated so that all children could experience success based on their academic, social and emotional needs.

Parents must also ask reflective questions: Did I stay engaged in my child’s education this year; what areas might my child require more support? How can I secure that support to ensure that my child reaches his/her full potential?

 Students also need to reflect on their academic year by asking questions: What did I enjoy this year? What were my challenges and successes? Where do I need to improve to reach my goals? What are some things I can do differently next year that would lead to success?

 In an age where the education of our children has become so important, we cannot afford to look only at the past. We need to carefully evaluate where we were successful and where we experienced problems and make adjustments. Adjustments that will allow us to capitalize on the things we do well and adjustments that allow us to successfully address areas that need improvement.

One behalf of the St Ita’s staff, I would like to thank everyone in the St Ita’s Learning community for your efforts and support this year. Covid has presented so many challenges and hurdles along the journey, but as a team we have worked together to beat everything that it has dished up. I wish all our families a holy, happy and safe Christmas and we look forward to all that the New Year brings. For now please make sure you Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate.