3 minute read
Head of Junior School
FROM THE HEAD
OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
THE OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY DEFINES REFLECTION AS A MEANS, ‘TO GIVE SERIOUS THOUGHT OR CONSIDERATION’. A WORTHY DEFINITION FOR HOW IT FEELS TO TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE A REFLECTION ON 2022 IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL AT REDEEMER LUTHERAN COLLEGE. THE LEARNING AND PERSONAL GROWTH THAT I HAVE BEEN PRIVILEGED TO WITNESS THROUGHOUT 2022 IS CERTAINLY WORTHY OF REFLECTION, AS WELL AS CELEBRATION.
To reflect takes a concerted effort to stop and consider all that has occurred or come before - something that I encourage all members of the community to do as they read this compilation of milestones and moments that have made 2022 special. Each student will have different moments of success or challenges that they have triumphed over throughout their educational journey this year. Each of those moments worthy of reflection and celebration.
The learning journey for our students is not an entirely individual pursuit. It is a team effort that involves the love and support of family as well as the professional skillset and guidance of Redeemer staff. Staff and parents work in partnership to help students grow and flourish. This year has been another year that showcases just how significant this relationship is in supporting student learning.
The commencement of the 2022 academic year started in a remote online format. A time that saw the passionate staff work of the Junior School seeking new and innovative ways to build relationships and create a sense of calm and consistency for students and parents. The partnership between parents and staff was key to the successful start of 2022. While all were very glad when students were able to return onsite for learning, it cannot be forgotten just how special a time this was for our community. A very real opportunity for the students at Redeemer to see how parents and staff work together to help them grow. When students were able to return to learning on campus, there was a significant element missing from this experience. That of parents being able to come onsite and be a hands-on part of the learning occurring in the classrooms. I thank our students and staff for finding meaningful ways to include parents in the learning that has occurred throughout the year.
As the end of the academic year draws near, we have begun to have parents be more present onsite - something that staff and students have missed throughout the year. That partnership of parents and staff working together may have looked different throughout 2022, but it has certainly felt stronger as parents and teachers have worked at creative and meaningful ways to engage in student learning.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the students, parents, and staff of our Junior School community for their hard work and efforts this year. Taking the time to reflect allows us to find a multitude of reasons to celebrate. What has been consistent throughout the year is the willingness of all to do what is in the best interests of our students. Working together to help our young people with the foundational knowledge and skills that help them grow and develop for the next phase of their educational journey.
My key reflection for 2022 is how humbling it is to be in a position where I am privileged to watch the students in our care benefit from the partnerships between families and school. To bear witness to a community that helps to grow God’s precious gifts, the students at Redeemer Lutheran College.
