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Deputy Principal - Curriculum
FROM THE DEPUTY
PRINCIPAL - CURRICULUM
AT THE START OF 2022, I WAS FORTUNATE TO JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF REDEEMER LUTHERAN COLLEGE. THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WILL FEEL LIKE A DISTANT MEMORY TO MOST OF US - THE FACT THAT WE HAD A DELAYED START AND ONLINE LEARNING FEELS LIKE A LIFETIME AGO. PERHAPS THIS IS AN INDICATION OF HOW WELL IT WENT AND THAT WE WERE STILL ABLE TO PROVIDE EDUCATION TO OUR STUDENTS AND CONTINUALLY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. OVER THE FOLLOWING TWELVE MONTHS, IT HAS BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL!
Personally, the delayed start was especially unusual as I was new. I would find myself on TEAMS calls with staff, students, and families, none of which I had ever met. This has the potential to go in many different directions, however, the people of Redeemer were all fantastic and that transition was relatively simple. To see a community act and behave during a crisis is really an indication of who they are. To that end, I believe the Redeemer community is one of the strongest, most welcoming that I have had the privilege of working with.
As a new member of staff this year, I often shared the value of fresh eyes in any given situation. Also, fresh eyes do not last forever. Indeed, it is a year of firsts as we move through the calendar. These fresh eyes have seen something quite special in the suburb of Rochedale. I have a genuine belief that great things lie ahead for us as a community.
Across the P-12 campus, the focus on learning has increased each term. Ultimately, Redeemer is a school, and each staff member is committed to the growth and development of the learners in their care. Throughout the year, we have been able to tackle some of the major elements, or perhaps opportunities that a school has to offer. What we are teaching, what we are assessing, how we are assessing and the environment in which we learn are all themes that have been discussed by the staff.
The students of Redeemer are unlike any others I have worked with. Coming from an international background, as well as Australian education, it has been a real joy to work with the young people of Redeemer. As a P-12 campus, those daily experiences differ vastly. Our youngest students bring an excitement and energy that is hard to match. Simply by being here, they are enjoying their Redeemer experience. Those students in the higher year levels have demonstrated strong friendships, which have been developed over time, and an academic curiosity that will empower them throughout their lives.
In short, this entry to Redeemer Reflections reminds me of some core beliefs as an educational professional. A year is a long time, and a lot can happen! The power of a community approach should never be underestimated. Keeping the focus on the students and their learning is of pivotal importance to any school. Finally, the students are learning for life, not simply for the next assessment or examination. Redeemer Lutheran College is fortunate to have a community that can see these statements to be valid, and from these foundations, we have an incredible opportunity to support the students in our care.
