Optimism is a fantastic word that helps us to think of greater things and aspire to greater things to come. We Austalians are well regarded by the nations as having a larrikin - give it a fair go - attitude. It is this strength of attitude that has seen us meet many challenges in the past and as a worldview it sets us up to successfully overcome the challenges that may lay ahead of us. In this way, we may already have learnt that optimism helps embolden and ready us to capture opportunities and realise success. And it is now being reinforced that wellbeing is improved because of the positivity that comes from this type of mindset. An optimistic perspective can be a powerful platform that sets us up to encounter situations with a broadview and experience the satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges. The Bible teaches us that we can see the world through the lens of faith and have the expectation that God’s plan for us will take us far in life and beyond into eternity. In the Amplified Bible version we read, “And we know with great confidence that God who is deeply concerned about us causes all things to work together as a plan for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28.
As a School we are keen to see each student have the opportunity to take on a faith-filled perspective. We believe that faith provides a platform for a strong character and that it will lead students to a fulfilled life. Taking this seriously, we have intentionally researched how we might best position our school program to give each student a school experience that builds faith, character, and meaningful learning experiences. In 2017 Avondale School was awarded a School-based Research Grant by the Association of Independent Schools New South Wales. Over two years, the school began a valuable journey of learning and reflection. The study looked at the impact of faith engagement activities on school climate, which meant our students and staff were surveyed anonymously and were asked if what we do as a school impacts our students. The study was the first of its kind - making Avondale School the first school to think in this way about approaches to Christian Education. The study showed there is a connectedness between faith engagement activities and school climate. This was a great affirmation of the work and care that Avondale School staff put into preparing a great Christian learning environment. We were pleased to learn that what we do makes a real impact on our students.
What we have learned from this study has provided many insights about our School. We learned that our students appreciated the School for the diligence and care displayed by teachers. Students valued faith-building experiences such as Chapel, Weeks of Worship, Bible Classes and the overall Christian atmosphere provided in its learning environment. We heard students express that they wanted more time to connect with teachers over faith, spirituality and life topics. This was important for us to hear. We identified that it was important to students that we look at the idea of creating space for teachers to connect with them. We set about designing and aligning our wellbeing initiatives to better help support students. Students now will find new approaches to camps, Bounceback, Invictus, Challenge, Check-In, Year Advisors and Pastoral Care.
Anecdotally, we have heard students and staff tell us these changes are hitting the mark. We count ourselves blessed to be confident about the direction that we are heading. We look forward to serving our students in a way that carefully listens and responds to what they say. We believe and know that if we continue to provide great experiences for our students, they will grow in faith and be life-ready - meeting challenges with confidence, agility and optimism.
Mr Gary Marsters
Assistant Head of Secondary
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