GROUNDHOG DAY LESSONS

GROUNDHOG

DAY LESSONS

MARTIN JONES (he/him) ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL, ENRICHMENT & INNOVATION

Some of you might be familiar with the infamous movie Groundhog Day, a Bill Murray classic that features the February holiday and is a bit of a lesson in redemption. There have been times during this pandemic that I have felt like Phil, the main character from this movie, waking up and reliving the same scenario day after day. And while the routine can feel tedious, especially when we have had to limit the people we see and the places we go, there are, at the same time, so many moments of joy and clarity that infuse me with energy and hope for the ways in which we will emerge as an even stronger community as a result of facing this adversity together.

One of the ways in which I am continually inspired on a day-to-day basis is through watching our students engage in a range of co-curricular activities. This year, we have seen an extraordinary uptake in our various clubs and teams, despite the fact that games and ‘formal’ concerts and performances have been curtailed. our student athletes competing against themselves and one another, working hard to hone their skills, as well as the authentic leadership and collaboration skills they are continually applying. The number of students who have maintained this commitment despite the restrictions to games and competitions, and the way in which existing teams have welcomed new students who are in search of an opportunity to maintain their personal well-being through athletics, has also been impressive.

The performing arts team has been working tirelessly to maintain opportunities for students to engage through creative arts. The various ensembles and theatre groups continue to encourage students to develop confidence in public speaking and performance. These are further examples of the way in which students demonstrate core skills which they are learning in classes but applying in very authentic contexts.

seasonal day trips. Students have engaged in cross-country skiing, kayaking, and various activities focussed on environmental sustainability. Through these experiences, I continue to observe students who genuinely enjoy being outside and understand the power of a ‘refresh’ through their connection with nature.

The Mulgrave Centre for Entrepreneurs and Changemakers (MCEC) has focussed on developing our YELL (Young Entrepreneurs Leadership Launchpad) programme this year, and I have had the pleasure of connecting with these students as they grapple with their business plans and deliberate over their strategies when asking for start-up money from investors. This real world opportunity for risktaking, collaboration, and presentation and public speaking skills is yet another example of students applying their classroom skills in a very authentic manner. I am so looking forward to witnessing the success of these young businesspeople and the growth of their ventures. Clearly the need for students to engage, connect, interact, and spend time with one another has been highlighted during the pandemic. We are fortunate that our students, parents and teachers have continued to encourage and prioritise this essential component of the holistic educational experience that Mulgrave promotes and provides.

Like Phil in Groundhog Day, we have been blessed with an opportunity to reassess our values and prioritise what matters most. Yes, in-person learning has been possible, and we have made the most of a year filled with limitations, but we have also been reminded that our students only truly thrive when they can connect and engage in meaningful ways with both their peers and their teachers and that it is these shared experiences that are central to a Mulgrave experience. At some point, when we are able to return to a more ‘normal’ life, I am hopeful that these experiences will have left an indelible reminder of our need to connect, to engage, and to enjoy these shared experiences. Our lives are all so much more enriched and fulfilled through doing so.