Howqua Today

The Howqua program of today continues to prove relevant in the context of an increasingly complex world. We asked our expert educators to share their experiences and perspectives of what this transformative program brings to Lauriston’s pioneering girls’ education strategy.

Ms Susan Just, Principal

Dr Alison Manson, Vice Principal - Head of Campus

Ms Vanessa Hewson, Assistant Principal – Student Experience and Wellbeing

Mr

Jonathan Collenette, Howqua Coordinator of Curriculum and Teaching (2022)

Mr

Evan

Brophy, Director of Outdoor Programs

In the context of today’s complex world, why is Howqua so important for a girl’s education?

Ms Just: Through their participation in the Howqua program our students are developing their competences in managing challenging situations, such as problem solving, perseverance and creativity. They know how to work together as a team to resolve problems and they understand the importance of seeking different opinions when problem solving.

Ms Hewson: Howqua prepares girls for the complexities of today’s world in way that cannot be facilitated in a day school environment. Everything experienced by Howqua girls leads to resilience, independence, courage, persistence and gratitude. While girls may not set their sights on climbing mountains and rafting down grade 5 rapids in the future, the skills developed from communal living, the Outdoor Program and general campus life are transferable to any situation when a girl feels challenged. We hope that Howqua girls carry this with them through senior school and beyond, striving for a life where they understand the value of being part of something bigger than themselves.

How have you seen a change in the students’ approaches to setbacks and challenges over the course of the year?

Mr Collenette: Students gain the skills to problem solve and become more independent as the year progresses. There is also development of resilience but also recognition that students are interdependent and know when to seek help from others.

Mr Brophy: Over the course of a year, the girls realise that not succeeding at something the first time is actually a great learning tool and that setbacks, no matter how large or small, give us a great opportunity for knowledge and growth. As the year progresses the students actively start to look for further challenge; academically, pastorally, on Outdoor Program and as part of the Fitness Program, asking what more can they do, what are their limits and how far can they push themselves and support their mates.

How does the Howqua-and-parent relationship work - what level of visibility and communication do parents have?

Ms Just: At the beginning of each year, parents are concerned about their daughters not being a constant presence in the family each day. They begin to see the development of independence and confidence in their daughters with each five-week rotation. Throughout the year as parents get to know the Howqua staff, through meeting with them and their daughters’ letters, they develop a positive rapport with them and are grateful for the care they provide to their daughters.

Dr Manson: While we want the girls to develop their independence and trust, regular contact with home is essential for a successful year at Howqua. In addition to key event updates, we provide weekly digital updates with lots of photos. In addition to the Head of Campus report, one house contributes to the newsletter each week, as well as alternating weekly content from one faculty area, and Wellbeing and Outdoor Program. We provide several opportunities for families to visit the campus, and parents also collect their daughters from Howqua for the first Term 1 Exeat, which is a lovely opportunity for the girls to show their families around the campus and for parents to meet staff.

What role does the pastoral and wellbeing program play in educating today’s young women? How is it operationalised in curriculum or out on Outdoor Program?

Ms Hewson: It is not enough for today’s young women to excel academically; they need a strong foundation in wellbeing skills to help them navigate the inevitable stress and competition of the modern world. Howqua’s wellbeing program prepares young women with interpersonal skills in communication and resolving conflict alongside intrapersonal skills in understanding their unique strengths, how to manage stress, becoming emotionally literate and agile, and understanding the significant roles that gratitude, empathy and compassion play in developing personal resilience and building strong communities. Wellbeing is not confined to formal lessons, it is integrated and woven through everything the students learn on campus – they then put them into practice in living together and out on Outdoor Program. Both facets of the Howqua program intentionally challenge students and force them into action.

Mr Brophy: The lessons we learn as part of our pastoral and wellbeing program are solidified with real life learning during all aspects of Howqua life. Compromise, tolerance, the strength and support of a team and face to face communication skills are essential when living and learning with each other in a residential program. We see each other every day and therefore it is essential that respect and responsibility for self and others are always at the forefront of our minds.

What do you envisage the future Howqua to look like?

Mr Collenette: While there may be slight changes to the program over the coming years the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in nature supported by a team of passionate staff is invaluable. Students learn to recognise how important community is, and that relationships are at the heart of this.

Dr Manson: The hyperconnected nature of social media makes the Howqua program even more important today. Howqua provides an opportunity for real-world connections with peers but also with self and family. The program will continue to provide physically and mentally challenging activities while giving students a break from technology. Connectedness to nature and a strong focus on stewardship will become more important as we encourage responsible planning and management of resources, fostering a culture of responsibility.

Ms Just: As we continue to develop the Howqua program we are looking outward and considering how we can help our students build their capabilities for their future lives. The outdoor activities, academic curriculum and wellbeing program will continue to evolve to suit the needs of our students and our own understanding of how we can best prepare students for the future.

We continue to believe that Year 9 students should participate in a challenging and exciting education where they can take a break from technology and open their eyes to their stewardship of our natural environment.