During a recent interview with a prospective student, one of their parents commented that a challenge is not hard. Rather, they explained, if you decide you are not up for the challenge, you might give up and think that it is too hard.
This reminded me of a similar comment I overheard a colleague use during a parent teacher interview some years ago. I was quite taken by the clear and kind way the teacher responded to a student’s concern that they were finding something difficult by saying, ‘You can’t do that, yet’.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that ‘nothing is impossible’, but I do believe we are capable of more than we may think, and that how we approach things makes a real difference.
Related to the importance of approaching things in a positive manner is the importance of feedback and seeking guidance to improve. As this cartoon ‘highlights’, being open to feedback as well as approaching things with a positive mindset is also important!
A good example of students approaching things in a positive manner that supports each other to improve is the way many of our students choose to work together in the JOT Quad during study periods. Whether working with others on a common task or topic or by providing a positive working environment at their table, collectively, students make a very meaningful and public contribution to a positive environment.
Hopefully this message prompts some discussions, and reminders of the benefits of approaching things in a positive and optimistic way.
Recognition for Carey students’ academic success
Last month, two of our high achieving Class of 2022 VCE students were recognised at the annual Premier’s Awards Ceremony. Across Victoria, only three students were awarded the Study Award for Applied Computing: Software Development, one of whom was Carey’s own Benjamin Zhang. Alice Jin also won a Study Award for Visual Communication Design, being the third student taught by Nicki Llewellyn to receive this prestigious award.
Earlier in the year, we also recognised a huge number of our IB students who all achieved a final score of 40 or more out of a possible 45, including our Dux for 2022, Jamie Holmes, who received a perfect score of 45. Well done to Wilson Amos, Allegra Annetta, Emmy Beaumont, Abby Dickson, Freya Gerard, Leo Halford Molinaro, Jamie Holmes, Chengzhi Huang, Felicity Jones, Joshua Kentwell, Will Lewena, Siyang Li, James McDonald, Zhihan Meng, Reave Paleg, Ava Papavasiliou, Luca Pellegrino, Tianxia Qiao, Olivia Storey, Eric Tang and Cathy Wang.
A big congratulations once again to the entire Class of 2022.
Graeme Young
Deputy Head of Senior School – Student Learning
