One of the most satisfying aspects of teaching is to witness moments of mastery. Seeing students experience success and pride in learning something new is such a privilege. It’s the lightbulb moment of noticing a pattern, of making a connection, of perfecting a difficult skill.

Each day in the classroom, educators make decisions about the degree of support that students need to move towards success. This week, Mr Russell Melenhorst invited me to join the Year 7 Lisieux students during a Religious Education lesson. I was impressed by the curiosity these boys had shown, the depth of their research and the range of artefacts they had used to bring their prayer spaces to life. The boys confidently and articulately responded to my questions about their inquiry.

Earlier this week, as I passed through the Reflective Garden, I noticed a group of students with their Health and Physical Education teacher, Mr Andrew Worner, undertaking a Bike Education lesson. I watched as students learned to handle their bikes in different conditions in the school grounds. I listened to Mr Worner coaching the students about how to brake safely and how to engage safely with other cyclists and road users.

Riding a bike is one of those skills that many of us learn as a child and never forget. To teach a child is like learning to riding a bike – it requires wisdom, knowing exactly when to let go and allowing them to master cycling on their own. Getting the balance right is tough, however it is in these moments, there is such joy to be found.

Mrs Catherine Spurritt

Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching