Our Strategic Direction comprises five distinct priorities: Wellbeing and Character, Personalised Learning, Carey People, A Connected Community and Sustainable Futures. It is evident though that the collective work of all in our community serves to define Carey’s future.
In all schools there is an awareness of how the quality of the ‘Personalised Learning’ must be complemented by a focus on ‘Wellbeing and Character’. These two priorities have increasingly been recognised in education circles as being equally important if a student is to discover their passions and purpose in life. However, to place a full stop after tabling ‘Wellbeing and Character’ and ‘Personalised Learning’ would fail to see the full breadth of the Carey experience. In the past month I have been reminded of the power found in another of our priority areas, one that encourages connections that are mutually beneficial and promote a sense of belonging: ‘A Connected Community’.
In recent weeks, there have been three moments where I saw our connected community at work. The first was the parental support of the Junior School Donvale production of Aladdin, Jr. (pictured). What an amazing show, with parent helpers assisting in so many capacities, including costumes, sets and choreography. The shows in the MGH enabled students and families, together with staff, to display what a community can do when working to achieve a goal.
This same sense of community was again evident at the recent Middle and Senior Saturday morning APS Athletics meet at Sandringham. As hosts, we not only provided the officials – largely parents – but that thriving group of parents ran the barbeque, sourced additional equipment and remained an invaluable support for the team of staff.
Finally, that post-school connection for the Carey graduate can be through functions presented by the Old Carey Grammarians Association. Last week I attended one of their evening functions in the city, designed to assist past students build their networks. Carey alum Hugh van Cuylenburg (1998) was the guest speaker, sharing how his path to founding the Resilience Project included the help of mentors. Hugh encouraged those present to reach out for assistance, to share vulnerabilities and to lean into the support available to Carey students beyond Year 12.
Our aim at Carey is to provide a learning environment that provides safe pathways for all to learn. A connected community is a vital ingredient.
Peter Robson
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing
