The value of ‘pausing’
As we approach the end of the school year, many of us are playing ‘catch up’ after the disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and working our way through the busy-ness of completing and finalising tasks that this time of year involves. At such a time it seems appropriate to consider the value of ‘pausing’.
Pausing allows reflection. It enables us to make more considered decisions and it also allows us time to be aware of what is happening both to us and around us at any given time.
Developing a habit of reflection can be an empowering process. It can be calming, it can be reassuring and it can often prove to be stabilising.
Reflection enables a greater appreciation of lessons learned and the potential for increased contentment derived from any personal or shared achievements.
This week our Year 12 students are participating and engaged in milestone events associated with the culmination of their time as a Radford student. This is an ideal opportunity for our community to reflect on and highlight what we foster and what we value in shaping our students into aspiring adults ready to transition into life after school.
According to Aristotle:
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
On Monday, some Year 12 students visited the Junior School. This presented many opportunities for both staff and students to rekindle memories of times spent in the JS and relive moments from their past. Collectively and collaboratively, they shared significant stories of their experiences in both the ELC and during their time progressing through the Junior School.
Regardless of the complication, or the challenge of any given situation, Robert Fulghum’s reflection in “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” (Fulghum, 1988) advises that what we learn in our early years can enable us to navigate and successfully tackle life’s challenges with the confidence and assurance that we possess the skills and wisdom required from our time and learning in Kindergarten.
The suggestion is that we are wise to retain the time-proven lessons of Fulghum’s ‘kindergarten’ and consider them companions in our journey through life.
Surely it is one of life’s greatest wonders that these once 'little people' who tugged at our arm as they walked slowly and deliberately to class and sometimes cried as they were dropped to school by a parent are now the young adults, brimming with confidence and unfulfilled dreams, who stand before us at their graduation?!