During the last weeks of term at John Paul College we have had an exciting time with students engaged in a variety of activities and learning experiences beyond the classroom. These activities include the Year 7 and 8 STEM Week, Year 9 MUSE – City Experience, Year 10 and 11 Examinations, Year 12 English Enhancement, Year 12 Retreats and Vocational Major hands-on learning. Each of these activities allowed student to learn and engage with others in a different way to the normal classroom. It is often these experiences that provide opportunities for students to stretch themselves and seek different approaches that can enhance and extend their classroom learning experiences.
When reflecting on these experiences for students and seeking student and staff feedback on what went well and what we could do better next time, I was asked to reflect on school culture: “What makes a positive school culture?”.
In looking at what others have suggested makes a strong school culture I found the following criteria were very common in assessments from educators, researchers and school leaders:
Our collective vision guides us towards a common goal: providing the best educational experience for our students. By aligning our efforts, we ensure that every student understands the path to success and feels supported in their journey. This shared vision fosters a sense of purpose and direction, encouraging everyone to work together towards achieving excellence.
To have a strong school culture, a sense of community is crucial. Collegiality means that we support each other, celebrate our successes together, and lend a helping hand when challenges arise. This spirit of togetherness creates a nurturing environment where students, staff, and families all feel valued and connected.
Education is a lifelong journey, and schools must be committed to continuous improvement. By fostering a culture of lifelong learning, students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset. This means embracing challenges, seeking out new knowledge, and striving to improve every day. It is important that the staff also holds this mindset, participating in ongoing professional development to enhance their teaching practices and seek always to find improved ways of achieving outcomes.
Innovation and creativity are key components of a robust educational experience. Students should be encouraged to take risks and try new things, whether it's exploring a new subject, participating in extracurricular activities, or engaging in creative projects. By stepping out of their comfort zones, students learn resilience and adaptability, important skills for their future success.
A positive school culture thrives on celebration and humour. Recognizing achievements, both big and small, and infusing daily interactions with joy and laughter help to build a supportive and happy environment. Celebrating our accomplishments boosts morale and fosters a sense of pride in our school community.
Each of you reading these criteria will make your own judgements as to how you think John Paul College lives up to these criteria, but my own assessment is that we have a very positive school culture at JPC. I’d suggest that we’d score positively with regard to with respect to those descriptions.
I also think that there is one aspect missing from the above list of a school which has a strong school culture: Holistic Sense of Responsibility
In a strong, positive school culture we educate all aspects of a young person, emphasizing there is an understanding of the need to focus not only on academic achievement but also personal growth and social responsibility. At John Paul College, our holistic approach ensures that students develop into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make positive contributions to society. We educate to develop in students a sense of responsibility towards themselves, others, and the world around them.
It is also worth noting that the foundation for all the aspects discussed is Strong Relationships. The building of strong relationships is at the core of our educational approach at John Paul. It is those positive relationships between students, staff, and families that create a supportive network that enhances learning and personal development. These relationships provide the foundation for a trusting and collaborative school environment where the conditions for collegiality, improvement, shared responsibility, risk taking and finding the joy in our learning and work together is possible.
I thank all families, students and staff for being an integral part of our John Paul College community. It is together that we create an environment where everyone feels respected, motivated, and empowered to reach their full potential. I encourage your involvement and feedback and also appreciate your continued support as we strive together to nurture a strong, positive school culture.