From the Principal Week 8 Term 2 2014

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends,

“A transformed school will look more like LIFE.” Houle and Cobb, 2011.

I was privileged to attend the annual conference of the Association of Integrated Schools last week. The above quote was shared in one of the sessions, and it is something the board, staff and I also believe.

I thought I would share a few other quotes that inspired me and encouraged me.

“Schools will become the cornerstone of the community. Places which combine a relational heart with a desire for life-long learning.”

“There are two phrases I hate,” said Stephen Harris.

“1. ‘Wait until you get into the real world.’ Why are we cocooning children from the real world while they are at school? School should be a place that prepares children well for life.

2. ‘The principal’s office is an unpleasant place to visit.’ If we are preparing children for life, we need to become focused on what helps children to become motivated to succeed and behave well, rather than punishing children for not doing so.”

“The average parent today is living in 1988! How do we help parents to move on in their own thinking about education at school? The world is changing so fast and we need to help parents catch up.”

“Invent the future. Don’t prevent the future.”

“Freedom is a bigger game than power. Power is about control. Freedom is about what you can unleash….Every child can succeed. Every child can be engaged.”

“What causes this new way of learning to collapse? People who don’t really believe! Lack of vision, putting old thinking into new spaces, separation, and lack of collaboration.”

I think all the above are well worth pondering.

Next term I will be hosting some Parent Partnership gatherings on Wednesday mornings from 9-10am, followed by morning tea, starting on Wednesday 23 July.

The purpose of this is to involve all attending parents to:

-understand how and why we do what we do at MCS

-share any concerns or suggestions that can help us make our school a richer and more efficient learning environment

-develop a shared vision for the future

Please make it a priority if possible and let me know by using this link Partnership Gathering or advising the office if you are able to come on the 23rd. Please also feel free to bring parents who would like to know more about MCS for their own children.

This will form part of our consultancy with parents, and help you to be a valued part of a strong community for your child’s benefit. Other consultancy includes a survey next term, and you are always welcome to make an appointment.

Thanks

Helen Pearson