From the Head of Senior School

While the march of progress continues unabated and technology reshapes everyday life, I ask you to ponder what your day-to-day existence looked like 10 years ago. For those who can, consider the world in the early 2000s. Much has changed, regardless of our individual preferences, and the reality is it will continue to do so at an ever-increasing pace. Amidst this change, however, many things remain the same, particularly when it comes to the trials and tribulations of adolescence. Hence, I draw your attention to the theme of this article, which is the commonly known proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.

Hearing the perpetual debate around education, adolescent development, technology, socialisation skills, and what should or should not be part of growing up, I am constantly reminded, as an educator, just how complex this passage of growth is. Underpinning this, I see the impact that the many have on the individual and the life-changing experiences that stem from the most innocuous of encounters. The village truly raises the child, and it is some of these encounters, those tiny unheralded events, that I seek to shine a light on.

Mutual service

The pastoral team has been coordinating a twice-weekly shoeshine for 20 minutes before school with a few Year 7 and Year 10 students from a given house. The chatter and the subsequent connections between these boys are apparent, evidenced by the interactions I see later—a fist bump, a hello and then a smile as they carry on with their day.

A chat

In catching up with senior boarders, it became apparent that a few of them organise to have a Milo as the younger students are returning from Prep. They give up their time to have a chat and see how they are doing. The impact I hear through glowing conversations as they tell me about the chat and how they are going to help them with their homework tonight.

Sharing a passion

I see the senior students who commit to coaching the youngest of the Churchie students in cocurricular activities, all while managing their final years of study. Seeing gargantuan basketballers being led around by five-year-olds as they explain their favourite dinosaur or some of our most astute academics being challenged on the ways of the world at chess is truly a sight to behold. The outcome: laughs and smiles.

In these simple interactions there is a uniting thread. The youngest members of our Prep and Senior Schools are unaware of the impact that they are having on the seniors, and they will likely never grasp the impact of their interactions.

It takes a village to raise a child.

Dr Alex Krzensk
Acting Head of Senior School