Flexibility, a key Pedagogical Principle at La Salle College.
At the start of any year, many of us set goals. These ‘New Year Resolutions’ aspire to make us better versions of ourselves, with all the hope and optimism that a new year brings. At the start of the school year, many of our students set academic goals with enthusiasm and purpose. The new year provides a fresh start. However, as the months pass, things don’t always unfold as planned. Work becomes more demanding, expectations increase, and motivation can fluctuate. This is all entirely normal. Goals are supposed to be challenging, and the reality is, many resolutions fail as time progresses for a variety of reasons.
It is during these times of difficulty that some of the most important qualities to maximise our chances for success begin to take shape. These include perseverance, resilience, and flexibility. Flexibility is one of the key pedagogical principles at the heart of our College’s Vision for Learning. At our recent College Assembly, I talked about these qualities, noting that perseverance is about staying committed, showing up each day, putting in consistent effort, and continuing forward even when progress feels slow. Resilience is about how we respond when things don’t go to plan, learning from setbacks, recovering from disappointment, and finding the strength to try again.
Alongside these, flexibility is essential. Flexibility is the ability to adapt, adjusting your thinking, your approach, and sometimes even your goals, when circumstances change. In learning, as in life, things rarely go as planned. Being flexible allows you to respond positively rather than becoming stuck or discouraged when facing adversity.
Within our Vision for Learning, success is not about following a single, fixed path. It is about thinking differently, responding creatively, and remaining open to change.
This idea of flexibility is deeply connected to our Lasallian identity. As a Lasallian community, we are called to see challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities. Opportunities to grow, to learn, and to support one another. St John Baptist de La Salle himself faced significant challenges, yet he adapted with faith and continued his mission with persistence and courage. When we bring together perseverance, resilience, and flexibility, we become stronger learners and more capable individuals. Importantly, flexibility also means recognising when you need support and being willing to seek it. In a Lasallian community, we walk together, support one another, and grow together. As a Lasallian community, we do this with faith, purpose, and a commitment to becoming the very best versions of ourselves.
Year 7 2028
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to interview prospective Year 7 students for 2028 and, I must say, I have been thoroughly impressed. Many of these young individuals displayed remarkable confidence, offering informed responses, and posing thoughtful questions about the College and the opportunities it presents to them as prospective La Salle College students. I understand that for a young person, being interviewed by a senior staff member can be quite daunting, yet they handled themselves with poise and maturity.
I eagerly anticipate welcoming many of these promising students to the College when they embark on their high school journey in a few years’ time.
Mike Williams | College Principal
