Principal's Reflection - 12 June

Praise the Struggle, Not the Result

As we approach the end of the Semester, students are finishing off assessments, and teachers are busily working on report cards. It is a hectic time, but a break for students and staff is just around the corner. Report cards can bring a mix of emotions, and I wanted to reflect this week on how we celebrate success or approach failure, as our own attitudes to these have a significant impact on our children. A number of years ago, I read an article by Sal Khan, creator of Khan Academy, titled The learning myth: Why I'll never tell my son he's smart. Among other things, Sal states, “Recently, I put into practice research I had been reading about for the past few years: I decided to praise my son not when he succeeded at things he was already good at, but when he persevered with things that he found difficult.”

It is an interesting concept, one backed by research, and it goes to the heart of what we are trying to develop in our children. Consider, what is a better result, in the long run: a child getting an “A” in a subject that they are already very good at, or an improvement from a “C” to a “B” in something they have found difficult and struggled to improve in? Don’t get me wrong, I would absolutely be congratulating my children on performing to their ability in the subjects where their talents lie, but if I noticed that my child had improved through perseverance, even if the grade was lower, I would make a bigger deal of that. It is often the case for Educators that those students who we see really flourish in their adult lives are those who are practised at overcoming difficulty. The School has just completed a series of subject preference information sessions for students and parents, and at each one, students were encouraged to include subjects that will stretch them, provide challenge, and allow them to grow.   

Farewell, Mrs Carty

I have always considered Education my vocation, and not merely a job. It is a distinction I feel deeply because a significant part of my being is dedicated to education. I recognised that same quality in others. At the end of next week, Mrs Sue Carty will retire after 40 years in education, 15 of those years at St Luke’s. Over that time, Sue has done it all. Beginning as a Primary teacher, Mrs Carty worked across Prep to Year 7, before joining St Luke’s as a Middle School specialist. However, she has also taught through to Year 12, been a learning leader, Head of House and the Deputy Head of Middle School. Roles aside, teaching is a core part of who Mrs Carty is. You can feel it when you speak to her. It is immediately apparent when you are in her class that she is an expert educator, but beyond that, it is obvious in every interaction, in the way she speaks with people, and in the quiet yet lasting influence she has on students and staff alike. As a colleague, the greatest praise I can give is this: working with Mrs Carty makes me want to be better. 

Throughout her career, Mrs Carty has shaped the lives of thousands of young people. She will be missed dearly, but we congratulate her on an outstanding career and wish her all the very best in a well-deserved retirement. We welcome Mr Damien Murphy, who will take over Mrs Carty’s classes. Mr Murphy is an experienced English and Humanities teacher who has previously held Pastoral Care and Curriculum leadership roles. 

Canvas Data Breach Update

As a follow up to my letters on 6 and 8 May, I wanted to provide a final update regarding the Canvas data breach. Instructure, the makers of Canvas, have completed their analysis of the data exfiltrated during the breach and have advised St Luke’s that our data was not, as it turns out, part of the breach. So, while the steps we took with students and staff to enhance security were unnecessary, it is always a good idea to keep digital security in mind.

I wish all students and families an enjoyable Athletics Carnival and holiday period. 

Mr Matthew Hughes

Principal