It has been an absolute delight to witness the energy and enthusiasm of our students and staff as we have all returned from the mid-year break and ‘swung back into action’ at the start of this term. Thank you also to our wider College community for the level of communication, feedback and support as we continue to improve the learning environment and opportunities at LJBC. The areas of interest and engagement has included the ongoing improvements to College access, parking and traffic flow, the Year 6 Expedition to Sydney and Canberra, subject selection and career events, individual circumstances and considerations where the College has been able to help such as accommodating the student free day, school fee clarification and developing programs.

The level of parent engagement and interaction has been most encouraging and heart-warming, reminding us that one of the key elements to maintaining a relevant and vibrant educational community, is to maintain open and free communication, embrace ideas, ‘think tank’ opportunities and maintain a collaborative mindset, as we plan, evaluate and implement improvements and change. Thank you to all members of our College community who have become actively involved in this area, and I look forward to continuing to share opportunities for parents, students and staff to actively shape the ‘College improvement’ discussion. More to come.

The College also continues to observe and receive direct feedback regarding the high-quality culture of the College, learning in classrooms, student growth and care. Outstanding examples are very evident, with the majority of our College community flourishing in the LJBC context. We do indeed have amazing staff who work tirelessly in the best interest of each and every student, aided so appreciatively by supportive parents and motivated students. LJBC is indeed a healthy and supportive learning environment, and it is an absolute pleasure to be involved on a daily basis.

I spoke at the Secondary Assembly this week and honoured our staff and students for the part each individual plays in making LJBC what it is today and adding their own individual and unique ‘twist’ on what we do and the outcomes we achieve.

If I had left the conversation there, it would have been misleading, as we acknowledge that for some individuals, College life poses challenges, problems and anxiety because for them LJBC isn’t a place where they feel respected, valued and appreciated. Regardless of how many students and/or staff who fall into this category, we can agree, even one is one too many and not acceptable.

So, what do we desire for every student and staff member at LJBC? I shared with the students one way of expressing this is through the Bible passage found in Ephesians 3:17-19. Our desire for everyone at LJBC is this;

^“… May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvellous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God’s children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it.”

I suggested to the students that we still have some work to do to make this a reality for all and challenged us as a community to take-action, stand up, speak up, get up, stick up for yourself (when able) and stick up for others. Taking action means we are determined to make a difference.

‘Blessed (honoured, admirable, worthy, respected) are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice’. Putting it into practice or Action.

What does this look like today if we are to have an immediate impact, to make a difference or to say ‘enough’?

Here’s one way to think about it.

LOVE … choosing words carefully and apologising when they come out wrong - Displaying integrity.

JOY … smile, laugh and stay positive. Choose to be happy - Determination to breakthrough.

PEACE … walk away, ‘smile and wave’ - Sometimes known as wisdom.

LONG SUFFERING … decide to stop ‘whinging’ and ‘complaining’ - Deciding to grow up.

GENTLENESS … avoiding aggression, not accepting aggression from others - Setting boundaries.

KINDNESS … helping someone out, being friendly, doing something for others - Compassion

SELF CONTROL … being proud of your behaviour and how you have handled things - Developing character.

Only by taking action can we make a difference. I assured the students that they are making LJBC a better place. I assured them I am backing them. Together, our students and staff are determined and totally committed to making a difference. This includes zero tolerance to bullying, put-downs and negativity, one student, one situation at a time. Just one person being helped today, just one person having a good day when they weren’t expecting it. ‘Just one’ is worth standing up for... speaking up... getting up… sticking up… just one person. Why? Because that person may well be your child and they are definitely worth it. By someone taking action, for you and for them, it will make a difference and it is happening today. I’ve seen it first-hand.

The student response to this message has been most receptive and positive. Once again, it is an example of students leading the way and setting an example for those of us who are older. I knew they would, as I confidently stated in my Assembly address and backed it up by putting my money where my mouth is, backing them to make a difference. In fact, I bet $20 on it. There is more to that part of the story and I encourage you to talk with your child/children and take the opportunity to hear their perspective regarding my message and presentation, providing an opportunity to check how they are doing in this space and suggest ways their voice can be heard; empowered to make a difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article and respectfully consider the views expressed, which is very much appreciated.  I hope you have a great day and an enjoyable weekend, and may it turn out better than you expected.

Daryl Pollard

College Principal