In the last Delagram, I talked a little about the importance of the connection between the College and our parents and caregivers, as partners in the education of their children. Last week, at our whole school assembly, I continued this theme of connection in my address, however, related it to the importance of connection for the student to their school.

In my address to students, I noted that connection is what turns a school into a community. It’s what makes classrooms more than just four walls and desks. The way students greet someone who looks like they’re having a rough day, when they help a classmate understand a difficult concept, when they include someone sitting alone at lunch, they are building the kind of community that makes La Salle College such an amazing place to learn and work. This sense of connection and community has become increasingly apparent to me as I’ve discovered over the past Term since commencing at the College.

A school community doesn’t happen by accident. A positive culture happens because people choose kindness, respect, and support whilst challenging negative alternatives. Years from now, when our students look back on their time at the College, they will not remember every test or assignment. But they will remember the people, the friendships and the moments when they felt seen, supported, and connected. As a College, it is vital we continually look to find ways to find connection for our students.