2022 Term 3, Week 9

The role of a teacher is tough. The complexity of the job has certainly increased over the last decade, particularly in the area of compliance. The impact of a pandemic and then floods cannot be underestimated. It has had a huge impact on everyone’s wellbeing, not just teachers.

On top of this, the media is constantly running stories about how Australia’s education system is failing young people, laying the blame at the feet of schools and teachers. And yet, schools and teachers have never worked harder. It’s little wonder teachers are struggling.

Last week’s Weekend Australian carried some interesting commentary from Andreas Schleicher, education and skills director with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He was criticising the national curriculum, which we have to implement at St Paul’s School. He warned, Australia has “made learning a mile wide, but just an inch deep’’. There is just too much content that must be covered.

Schleicher went on to say that Australia’s shallow curriculum is producing “second-class robots” with a million teenagers on track to illiteracy over the next five years.

Pulling further quotes from Natasha Bita’s article (because they are so pertinent), Schleicher went on to say:

“We have made students passive consumers of a lot of learning content.”

“I’m not saying that Australian students learn less necessarily but when it comes to those advanced knowledge management skills, this is where they increasingly struggle,’’

“Mr Schleicher said the curriculum must teach children to out-think robots, and “think for themselves and collaborate with others’’. He said top-performing education systems “look at the realm of human knowledge, the realm of ethics and judgment, the realm of political and civic life, the realm of creativity, aesthetics, ­design, of physical health, natural health, economic life’’.”

Every prospective new parent tour I take people on I explain to them why we do what we do at St Paul’s School. Evidence has shown that schools condition creativity out of young people. We unintentionally, because of the demands imposed on us, “made students passive consumers of learning content” who won’t have the skills and character to be employable in the new age of AI.

Schleicher’s warnings are alarming, and he’s right. However, the good news for students at St Paul’s School is that we are well aware of the problems and what the future holds. This is why we are so committed to teaching for creativity with our teaching and learning framework “Realms of Thinking” and our focus on wellbeing and character development with “Ways of Being”.

But, it is important to say, it isn’t a matter of one or the other, creativity or academic rigour. It is both and. We use the curriculum mandated to use to ensure students perform academically as well supporting them to develop the skills, dispositions and character traits they need to thrive in the world of tomorrow.

I wonder what Andreas Schleicher would say of the education at St Paul’s School if he had to opportunity to visit?

The full article is available here (for subscribers to The Australian): Million ‘teen robots’ on path to illiteracy, OECD warns (theaustralian.com.au)

Dr Paul Browning

Headmaster

Apply Now for the Annual Ray Geise Bursary for 2023

Only current St Paul’s students are eligible to apply.

Bursary Details:

The Ray Geise Bursary for Service will be offered to one current St Paul’s School student, who will be in Year 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 in 2023.

This Bursary is to the total value of $1,000 (as a reduction in School fees) for 2023 only.

Criteria:

Students should submit a covering letter detailing their performance in pursing the Aims and Goals of the School and must show evidence of consistently caring for others and helping them to live worthwhile and meaningful lives; students must have pride in their School and demonstrate this in their dealings with their peers and indeed the whole School community.

In addition to the covering letter, students should submit a 1000 word essay on “Building a Christian Caring Community in the 21st Century.”

In awarding the Ray Geise Bursary, particular attention will be paid to the performance of the applicants in pursuing the Aims and Goals of the School, and to any financial need which exists in the family.

Applications:

All Bursary applications and offers are to be treated as private and confidential and are not for public discussion or announcement.  Applicants should submit:

1. A Bursary Application Form
2. A Covering Letter
3. An Essay

A separate application should be submitted for each child within a family.

Bursary Application Forms are available from the Headmaster’s Executive Assistant, Ms Sam Beeney, via email request:  [email protected]

Bursary applications (including the Application Form, Covering Letter and Essay) should be submitted in a sealed confidential envelope to:  Dr Paul Browning, Headmaster, St Paul’s School, 34 Strathpine Road, BALD HILLS  QLD  4036.

Bursary applications are due by Friday 14 October 2022.

The team are working together to look for trends and identify gaps in their research in preparation for their upcoming client interviews where they will need to draw on their ‘question posing and responding’ dispositions.

The DLV is underpinned by a design led process which provides opportunities for learners to understand authentic needs and issues within a variety of contexts. During the program students are encouraged to profile their identified stakeholders and consider what their strengths, weaknesses and needs are, allowing the students to develop a strong understanding of who their client is – providing a strong foundation to begin ideating and prototyping their solutions.

Next week, the DLV team will be heading off on an excursion to JLL’s Brisbane office to conduct their client interviews.

What’s up next?

Session 6: Stakeholder Identification and Interviews

Mr Osborne and Mrs Handyside

DLV Facilitators

See pictures of the camp here!

Our intrepid Marines, Nehan, Arta and Zara, have created a video based on their experiences and what they have learned which will premiere at today’s Assembly.

The video is the first in a series that will run for all of term 4. We’ll post episode one sometime next week so you can help solve the mystery: who is the littler bandit!

Well done to all our students for their creative and artistic flair.

Years 7 & 8 Finals – St Paul’s School
Years 9 & 10 Finals – St Columban’s
Open Teams Finals – Ormiston College
Saturday 10 September 2022

Wet weather game cancellations will be notified via the St Paul’s School App

This week our profile is about a fairly recent ‘past’ student. Hanxian (Henry) WANG who graduated from year 12 at the end of 2019. Henry was the Executive Captain International in 2019 

Henry comes from a very distant part of China. His home is in the city of Urumqi in the northwestern province of Xinjian, which borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia and Russia. 

Understandably, the climate in Brisbane was a major difference for Henry. Winter is long and cold in Urumqi, and temperatures during the winter months of December, January and February average below freezing with heavy snow. 

When Henry arrived in Brisbane to begin his studies at SPIS, it was term 4, 2016. In contrast to Urumqi, the average temperature here at that time of year is usually about 26°C, with blue skies and an average of 271 hours of sun! What a difference! 

Coming from a dark, cold winter in a landlocked area, the ocean and the beach were a fascination for Henry and he often ventured to the seaside when he had the time. 

During the pandemic lockdowns over the last few years, Henry was confined to Urumqi for some time. Here are some photos of Henry with his family in Urumqi. 

Henry has many fond memories of his time at St Paul’s International School and the main school. He says, “There is just too much I could talk about from that time. I definitely loved my life in St Paul’s.” 

For at least the first few months, he says, “Everything was strange, everything had challenges: different food, cultures and customs.” 

He continues, “Fortunately, the international school has a group of warm-hearted, kind and loving teachers who helped me better understand Australian society and began to feel that I life was not so lonely overseas. I really, really appreciate their efforts and help.” 

About his teachers at SPIS and in the main school, he recalls: 

“Until today, I still miss Mrs. Reese’s literature class. It is really very vivid and interesting. She explained the contents of the books in many interesting ways, making even the Shakespeare plays I had to study, very meaningful and unforgettable.” 

“In the eyes of some freshmen, Mrs. Arnold was a very strict person, but I know she is actually very gentle and humorous. In my impression, Mrs. Arnold often joked with us, in order to relax every ESL class. I think we were students who made her proud.” 

“Mrs. Power was my Head of House in Mitre. Every time I didn’t want to participate in the school sports events, Mrs. Power would try her best to persuade me to participate. I always was a little ashamed, so every time I convinced myself to participate in sports more actively. She was really a patient and kind teacher.” 

In his senior years, Henry studied Physics, Math B & C, Accounting, English and External Chinese. 

“My favourite subjects were Math B and Math C, (yes math was quite easy for me!). They were taught by Dr DJ and Mrs. Smith. I am a very serious person about math problems. Usually, I would try to understand every problem on the homework list. Fortunately, my teacher for Mathematics C was Mrs. Smith who was also my House tutor. So, in the tutor meeting every morning, I used my every opportunity I got to ask Mrs. Smith some math problems. She was also very patient with my questions and would laugh and joke and say, “Ah ha Henry, you’re here again. Let’s see what new problems you have today.” 

“Also, as I remember, Dr DJ used to be on duty at the intersection of the road after school one day a week. Every time I saw Dr DJ, she would greet me with a smile from a distance and all my fatigue would dissipate. Dr DJ was also an excellent math and physics teacher. I love her classes!” 

Homestay always plays a central role in their new life in Australia for our international students. Catherine Rayfield was Henry’s homestay ’Mum’. He remembers her fondly: “I can tell you she is the beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeest homestay mom in Brisbane! I love her soooooo much. She is a really, really nice lady.” 

So, what is Henry’s advice for our current and future International Students? “Well, I think it’s more about joining various clubs, meeting a lot of friends and taking all opportunities. For example, you can be an apprentice in the school café or be a cashier in the canteen. These are little things that will will make your life more fulfilling.” 

He hopes that future international students “will take this experience of studying abroad as an opportunity for you to open your heart, feel the world and communicate with the world. Have a strong heart and make friends with the students around you in your classes. I believe most people will be very friendly.” 

Regarding studying in Australia, Henry’s advice is: “Don’t waste your talent – I think this is the biggest mistake you can make. If you carefully explore your talents through your interests, everyone can do something ‘earth shaking’ and, at least, it will make you feel incredible.” 

His last word to students: “Last but not least, study hard at St Paul’s! What you will learn in high school is easy! Trust me, there will be more challenges waiting for you in college.” 

After his graduation from St Paul’s School, Henry went to the University of Adelaide to study Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “I got a Distinction for my UOA courses and 30% off of my program, which was EE engineering with Finance and was then able to transfer to the University of New South Wales to continue. It’s hard, but it’s also fun!” 

“This was even harder during the pandemic when we were preparing for this article. Henry was then isolated in Urumqi. “I’m home now and having Zoom university! Easy game? NOOO – it’s not easy, lol! Emmm, I’m hoping and planning to have get an internship in Volvo or Tesla China headquarters. 

If anyone knows of any good jobs, please hire me, I’m a hard worker ” 

Henry studying in lockdown 

Finally: “I love all the staff in St Paul’s International school and I miss all of you sooo much. Far across the miles, I’m sending you wishes of love and peace”. 

And we all miss him, too! 

Have you considered becoming a homestay family?

• Families are paid a generous daily rate for hosting
• Long term and short term hosting opportunities 
• A rich cultural experience for both visiting students and host families
• Great opportunity for students studying a language at school
• Ongoing support from the International School Staff
• Homestay Coordinator available 24/7 for emergencies

For more information or to register your interest, please visit our website.

September 20, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

$35

Using our hearts and minds to navigate ‘difficult moments’ with kids

Aggression, tantrums, meltdowns, inability to sit still, whining, screaming, hitting, throwing things, refusal, opposition … some days, living or working with children can be really tough.

Often, we expect that our children have the capacity to regulate their behaviour but often this ‘misbehaviour’ is simply stress behaviour and we’re punishing them for it. What would happen if instead of focusing on how to get rid of our kids’ difficult behaviour, we asked the question “what is this telling us about this child in this moment?”

In this very special masterclass for parents and teachers, Maggie Dent is joined by internationally renowned clinical psychologist and author Dr Mona Delahooke for a paradigm-shifting guide to understanding and responding to ‘difficult’ behaviours.

Focusing on the toddler-12 age group, Maggie and Mona will explore:

→ How our body drives our brain.
→ How we understand the world through our senses and the impact this has on our children.
→ What to do rather than punishing emotion…especially when tantrums throw our toddlers!
→ How meltdowns and tantrums protect our children and help them adapt to the world around them.
→ The difference between deliberate and unintentional behaviour and how they need to be addressed differently – and how to do it.
→ The three pathways of our autonomic nervous system and how they drive our responses.
→ Considering trauma in the mix.
→ Why safety matters so much to a child’s behaviour.
→ Why we need to focus more on neurodivergent children.
→ Learning how to assess where your child is at and how to co-regulate with them.
→ The importance of the ‘supportive platform’.
→ The changes we need to make in our schools.
… and more.

To register, visit the event page here: https://commonsenseparenting.com.au/p/behaviour/

HELPFUL CONTACTS

• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
• Youth Beyond Blue http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/

Sign up now for JTAS in Term 4

Sign up here to play JTAS tennis in Term 4.  It’s great fun, and all players receive a free training shirt courtesy of the Tennis Supporters’ Group.

Notice of AGM – Tuesday 11 October

The Tennis Supporters’ Group will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 11 October 2022 at 7.00pm in the Sutton Building, Ground Floor.

All supporters are welcome to attend and are eligible to nominate for committee positions. Nominations can be made in writing using this form and emailed to [email protected] by Monday 11 October 2022.

The AGM will be followed by a General Meeting.

Enter a short film into the Nextwave Youth Film Competition for your chance to win awesome awards and prizes and have your film premiere at SWIFF on the Coffs Coast in 2023!

If you’re a young person between the ages of 10-25 living anywhere in Australia, SWIFF wants to see what you can do!

The rules are simple:

Make a film under five minutes

Include the theme of TRANSFORMATION and something GREEN

Enter to win!

For full terms and conditions, head to the Nextwave website at www.nextwavefilm.com.au

Nextwave is proudly supported by @southerncrossuniversity

Please tag us where applicable:

Screenwave International Film Festival: @screenwave.australia

Nextwave: @NextwaveFilm