The View

Thursday, 11 May 2023

You Are Seen
There has been a flurry around our school this week getting ready to spoil our mums. I have loved watching your kids get excited about how much they love you. I want to acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be one of mixed emotions, depending on your family story. I have...
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Friday, 05 May 2023

Changing Seasons
How do you meet different seasons in your life? As winter approaches, there is a palpable change in the air. Winter clothing is brought out of the spare cupboard, and winter duvets are placed on the beds in the house. Winter in Australia is a unique experience that offers a...
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Friday, 28 Apr 2023

Incremental Improvement
I recently read the book, Legacy by James Kerr. The book focuses on the All Blacks rugby team and the principles that underpin their success. One of the key ideas is that a culture of learning drives continuous improvement. The book uses examples from different sports to illustrate how small, incremental improvements,...
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Thursday, 06 Apr 2023

Celebrating Easter
It’s finally that time - the hot cross buns and Easter eggs that have been in the shops since December 26 are finally relevant. Easter is just around the corner. I’m not sure about you, but as I was doing my grocery shopping this week, I reflected on how much...
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Friday, 31 Mar 2023

The Importance of Validation
It’s been a great school term, and a big one! I know a few, or potentially many young people are running on 10%, are unravelling at the seams, are erupting more often with delightful emotions. I’m sure you might be observing this at home. The students are tired, and with...
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Friday, 24 Mar 2023

Who You Become
I moved countries when I was fourteen years of age, so I know what it is like to feel displaced. I wish I could say that it was an easy transition, on the contrary it wasn’t, as I didn’t understand the language or the Australian culture. One thing that struck...
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Friday, 17 Mar 2023

Communicating Optimism
I have recently been reading Against All Odds. This book recounts the miraculous rescue mission of 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach. In the summer of 2018, the world was transfixed by the perilous plight of a Thai soccer team trapped in a flooded cave for over two weeks. Against...
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Friday, 10 Mar 2023

The Power of Empathy
Our value here at Avondale School this week has been empathy. Empathy is a phenomenal virtue that not only helps to forge meaningful human connection with others, but also attacks feelings of shame at their very roots. There is often nothing more comforting when we are facing some of the...
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Friday, 03 Mar 2023

Now That's A Good Plan
Last year, I had the privilege of covering a Year 9 class for a teacher who was absent. Arriving at the classroom, I greeted the students who were chatting nervously amongst themselves. When I enquired as to what was causing their concern, they outlined their anxiety and worry regarding the...
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