Looking ahead to 2030

This semester we have commenced a process of review of the College’s strategic objectives ahead of the development of a revised strategic plan that will take College towards 2030.

This process of revising our strategic plan has involved a number of workshops for staff, students, parents and alumni. The challenge for workshop participants has been to prioritise objectives and in so doing, demonstrate an understanding of the essence of the College from the past that will be taken into the future. The evolution of the College is a natural process that we are looking to direct with intention through this process of reflection, evaluation and planning. The decision by our College Council to engage in a consultative process to review the College’s strategic objectives is both timely and bold. It is timely because we are looking to act with intent rather than react in the moment to external pressures. The gradual removal of restrictions associated with COVID-19 has enabled a return to normal activities in our calendar. Given experiences over the last three years it is appropriate for us to reflect upon the way we have conducted ourselves pre-COVID and to review how we adapt into the future. The decision is bold because the College Council is seeking community feedback to shape the future rather than taking on this task alone. The approach has been very democratic with open invitations to participants across our College community. Some clear themes are emerging and will be shared in the New Year following the development of a Strategic Framework as a next step towards a plan. In recent years I have been describing College to newcomers in this way: The Geelong College is a place where young people thrive as they live, learn and grow together. This takes place in the context of a liberal education which values a wide view of success which expects individual endeavour in academic pursuits, in the creative and performing arts, participation in service activities and engagement in a range of sports. This is a place where we are looking for our young people to do things they find hard, to have the courage to have a go, even though the outcome may be uncertain.

Ours is a school with a Christian foundation. In our contemporary context this means the Christian message is gentle but evident. It is like a light breeze that reassures those who are committed in their Christian faith and refreshes those who are less committed. It is not a hot wind that overpowers a situation. The review of our approach to ‘Christian Studies’ arose from our last review in 2017, and informed by the annual community feedback survey, has resulted in the development of Philosophy and Religious Education (PRE) in our Senior School, some changes to Religion and Values Education (RAVE) in the Middle School and aspects of our chaplaincy in the Middle School.

This evolution has been well received by our students because it has brought about a better understanding of our underpinning values and how they translate to day-to-day life. I have been told on numerous occasions that these changes have stimulated meaningful conversations among families outside of the school day. The return of service activities through community engagement in the last two school terms have been the most practical demonstration of this in our school life.

Experiences shape the development of our young people. This edition of Ad Astra documents the richness of the life of The Geelong College through the middle of this year, and a range of experiences of our students. This is an intentional approach and does not happen by accident. Each event captured here plays a part in creating the tapestry of life for our students and community. I am sure you will enjoy learning more about this as you read through Ad Astra.

Looking ahead to 2030

DR PETER MILLER, PRINCIPAL