Communicating a means to an end.

Just before I start talking about the power of effective communication, I would like to acknowledge the hard work, persistence and dedication of the staff, students and parents working towards the Musical performance of “The Wiz” this Friday and Saturday nights. The efforts of the Middle Schoolers has been terrific, it is a big commitment at such a young age. Enjoy what will be something you will remember for a lifetime.

As the College community we aim to continually move forward striving to be the best we can be. With many initiatives and agendas being undertaken within education, the relevance and need for quality communication can not be overstated. In a world dominated by technological advancement the avenues for communication are many and varied. Have you checked emails, texts, what’s new on Facebook, must not forget that Skype meeting this afternoon or Instagram and snapchat to be looked at? We have more mediums and modes of communication than at any time in human history.

In the past week we celebrated one of the great engineering and scientific moments of the modern era, the Moon Landing 50 years ago. Communication was a lot simpler then, we talked face to face or through simple telecommunications like the phone. Or we sat down and wrote a letter that we hoped conveyed clearly, the message we wanted to present. These options are with us still. Let’s take time to use every opportunity to communicate to our advantage.

Donna Pendergast in her text Teaching Middle Years says “Communicating … is active, personal, culturally appropriate and multidimensional.” She goes on to say that it is a two-way exchange between families and schools that involves not only an exchange of information, but also opportunities for schools and families to learn from each other.” (Pendergast 2017  p296) This is the goal of quality meaningful interactions between us aimed at producing meaningful outcomes and positive futures.

As we know there is a difference between idealism and realism. Not all communication is positive, and breakdowns occur. The big 'BUT' here though is do we actively pursue the benefits of positive communication looking at taking ownership accountability and responsibility for our words creating solutions-based outcomes that benefit not only ourselves but all those involved? Take the time to listen to the people around you, it is much easier to fall into the spiral of blame, excuse and denial which feeds unrest and conflict.

In my role I am finding that good communication is vitally important for moving forward, however poor skills in this area unfortunately can create conflict. Leah Davies in her short article Effective Communication says, “Communication not only conveys information, but it encourages effort, modifies attitudes, and stimulates thinking. Without it, stereotypes develop, messages become distorted, and learning is stifled.” Her words acknowledge both sides of the coin. My experience sits with Davies’ thoughts, when I am proactive, on time and solutions focused the outcomes are dynamic and positive. When my communication falls down people are put under pressure, problems grow, and the road back can be long and hard.

The lines of communication are open within our College community, we have conducted Parent Teacher Student interviews this week. There are a number of information evenings coming up including a night to look at the movement from Year 6 to Year 7 next week on 30 July in the PAC. We are having another “Come and Try” day on 9 August for students from the community to see what we have to offer. Electronic communication is accessible by all, combined with an open-door policy for face to face discussions encouraged.

I hold the belief that open, honest communication that is solutions based and aimed at positive outcomes, should continue to be actively promoted within the community. Enjoy the musical this week and next week we celebrate the wonderful aspects of being a faith-based College in the Catholic Tradition through Catholic Education Week 2019.

Steve Gillespie

Assistant Principal Middle Years