Parent Information Evenings
Thank you to the many parents/caregivers who joined us for our Parent Information Evenings this week.  We were pleased to offer a different format for the evenings and new sessions reflecting parent feedback in 2019. Mindful of how busy life is for most families, I believe it important that my staff and I continually refine such events in response to parents' needs and interests.  With this in mind, we invite your feedback regarding any observations and suggestions for 2021. Thanks to those who have already responded to the Junior Years survey.  Mr Ranaldo will distribute a similar Middle and Senior Years survey in the next few days.

Co-Curricular
We were blessed with mild weather for our first round of co-curricular sport last weekend and we have been delighted by the increased number of boys nominating to play in the various summer sports.  You will continue to find match reports, fixtures and other information regarding sport in this weekly newsletter until the College App is up and running later this term.

Challenges help build resilience
At the start of the school year, it is timely to reflect on this truth, knowing that often the boys' greatest development in 2020 will come from the struggle to overcome new challenges in their academic studies, sport and music, or simply in adjusting to changes in their friendship groups.  The following story is a useful metaphor to illustrate our need as parents and teachers to step back and allow kids to try things, get frustrated, try again and get frustrated, and then try and succeed and be able to say to themselves, "I did it!"

A grandfather brought his young granddaughter the gift of a cocoon.  He instructed her in staying patient and allowing the caterpillar to grow at its own pace inside the shell.  He told her that, at some point, the cocoon would begin to move as the caterpillar transformed into a beautiful butterfly, and that she might be tempted to help it out of its covering.  The grandfather encouraged her to let the butterfly come out on its own. 

Sure enough, a week later, the cocoon began to wiggle, and, over the proceeding days, the little girl began to feel sorry for the poor butterfly who was aching to come out.  So, she took a sharp knife and carefully slit a hole down the side of the cocoon. 

It's been an incredibly busy but, ultimately, very rewarding beginning to our Co-Curricular activities so far this term. Whilst there is always an abundance of energy and anticipation around the start of a new school year, there is equally as much enthusiasm surrounding the various programs and activities on offer at Rostrevor College. Over the past 18 months, it's been incredibly satisfying to observe the consistent growth and participation across all activities, culminating in many new teams being formed. Consequently, boys with different interests, passions and reasons for participation have been frequently afforded a greater variety in the hope that each student at Rostrevor College can discover at least one activity, and hopefully many, that they can positively engage in and experience enjoyment and development through their participation.

There is a unique value to Co-Curricular activities in conjunction with a balanced education, and few schools recognise that value in the same way we do. Whether it be new or existing students and families, an involvement in Co-Curricular offers the chance to become part of a community; a welcoming family, and fosters opportunities to create lifelong friendships and memories. It's also one of the most effective ways for staff to interact with students in a different setting to develop a sense of mutual respect and understanding both inside and outside the classroom. It is often the case that many academic high achievers at Rostrevor College participate and actively engage in countless Co-Curricular activities whilst under our tutelage, and there is little doubt they play an essential part in the formation of our students into young men of substance.

A successful and prospering Co-Curricular Program, like many other industries, relies upon a significant interconnection of various stakeholders. When students, staff, coaches and families are all working together in harmony to achieve common goals and outcomes, it sets a precedent that eventually becomes the benchmark. We are continually striving to reach higher standards, create higher expectations and invest in quality coaching where appropriate that will, over time, increase the status of each and every activity we offer. While we expect the boys to recognise the value of Co-Curricular as part of a Rostrevor College education, it's as important that we actively seek improvements so students feel appreciated and can, therefore, also appreciate the advancements in their respective areas.