Kindy 2025 - Why are we growing?

The crucial role of kindergarten teachers and expanding opportunities for our families

As we reflect on the foundational elements of our educational journey, it becomes clear that the seeds of success and character are sown in the early years of schooling. Our kindergarten teachers, with their dedication and expertise, play an instrumental role in shaping our children's future. Recent insights from educational research and literature have underscored the profound impact these educators have on a child's development.

One such source is Adam Grant’s “Hidden Potential” social research book. His research highlighted the influence of kindergarten teachers. He reveals that the experiences and lessons learned in kindergarten extend far beyond the classroom. The article points out that early childhood education significantly contributes to a child’s success and character formation. This finding aligns with the observations we have made within our own school community: children who receive quality early education in stage one are more likely to excel academically, socially, and emotionally in their later years.

At Bishop Druitt College, we are fortunate to have a team of exceptional kindergarten teachers who understand the unique needs of young learners. They create nurturing environments where curiosity is encouraged, and foundational skills are developed through play, exploration, and structured learning. Our teachers are not just educators but mentors and guides who lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Given the critical importance of early childhood education, we recognise the need to expand our offerings to accommodate more families within our community. Late last term, I was honoured to announce that we will increase the number of places available in our kindergarten program. These classes will have the same teacher-student ratio with a maximum class size of 22. We will have the same Teacher Assistant support and will be upgrading the interiors and exteriors of their classrooms and play spaces over the Christmas break and into early Term 1. This decision is driven by our commitment to providing high-quality education to our community, ensuring that they have the best start to their educational journey.

Playground upgrade

We believe that investing in early childhood education is investing in the future. Our children are the leaders, innovators, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow. By providing them with a strong foundation in their formative years, we are setting them up for a lifetime of success and fulfilment.

Cultural intelligence and international opportunities

At BDC, we value study tours and cultural exchanges, such as Round Square Student Conferences, cultural immersion tours to Cambodia and our visiting study groups from Japan and other countries. These opportunities are not just about travel; they are essential for developing cultural intelligence (CQ) in our students.

Cultural intelligence (CQ) is the ability to relate to and work effectively across cultures. In our increasingly interconnected world, CQ is as vital as traditional academic skills. Study tours provide our students with immersive experiences that regular classes cannot offer. Students develop empathy, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of global issues by engaging directly with different cultures.

For instance, participating in a Round Square conference allows students to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, enhancing their leadership skills and broadening their perspectives. Similarly, our Cultural Immersion tours to Cambodia offer students firsthand insights into the country's history, culture, and social issues. These experiences foster a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.

Moreover, these study tours are instrumental in building hope for the future. By witnessing the challenges and triumphs of other communities, our students return with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. They become more aware of their potential to positively impact the world. This hope and determination are crucial for nurturing the next generation of leaders who will navigate and address global challenges with compassion and wisdom.

Over the last week, we have had a Japanese group visit from Kyoto’s Doshisha Girls High School. They have attended classes with our students and been involved with several of our families through homestay opportunities. All of our participating families have enjoyed this opportunity and have seen the direct benefits to their families. We, as a school, are committed to offering these enriching experiences because we believe in the transformative power of education. Investing in our students' cultural intelligence prepares them to thrive in a diverse and dynamic world, fostering hope for a brighter, more inclusive future.

Strengthening our Anglican identity through national engagement

I am pleased to share that Rev. Lisa Williamson, our college Chaplain, and I have recently returned from the Australian Anglican Schools Association (ASA) National Conference in Melbourne. This event provided us with invaluable insights and strengthened our commitment to our Anglican identity and core values.

The conference sessions, particularly those focused on spiritual leadership, emphasised the importance of leading with heart and embodying the teachings of Christ in our daily lives. We were privileged to hear from a range of national and international speakers who enriched our understanding and vision.

The Right Reverend Dr. Vicentia Kgabe from Southern Africa spoke passionately about the moral imperative of supporting our Anglican schools for the betterment of society. Social researcher and former chaplain Sophie Renton highlighted the foundations of pastoral care and trust within our communities, demonstrating how this support benefits children, staff, and parents.

Kim Brennan AM, Deputy Chair of the Australian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, addressed the importance of service learning in our school communities and the significance of building cultural awareness and cultural intelligence.

Paul Jarman, a Valla local, conducted an engaging workshop on creating a school celebration song. We are excited to explore this initiative further in the coming months.

We also heard from The Reverend Dr. Daniel Heischman, who has dedicated the past decade to working with Anglican schools to build and strengthen Anglican identity. For those interested, here is a link to a publication released from this forum a few years ago: [link].

It was inspiring to hear from The Most Reverend Dr. Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne and former Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, as well as The Most Reverend Geoffrey Smith, Archbishop of Adelaide and the current Primate. Their messages of building care and community resonated with our school principals and chaplains.

For those unfamiliar with the term, "Primate" in the context of the Anglican Communion denotes the chief archbishop or bishop of a province within the Anglican Episcopal family of churches. In Australia, our 23 dioceses have a duly elected chief archbishop who serves as our Australian Primate.

This conference was a profound reminder of the strength and unity within our Anglican community and reinforced our dedication to leading with compassion, care, and a deep commitment to our shared values.

BDC Values - recently unveiled mural near The Bishop’s Blend Cafè.

Save the date for these upcoming college events

• Father's Day Breakfast - Thursday 29 August - secure your spot via https://www.trybooking.com/CSRGH
• Sports Awards Dinner - Wednesday 30 October at Pacific Bay Resort - tickets on sale soon, 2023 pricing has remained. Trophy sponsorship opportunities are available. 
• Performing Arts Awards Night - Thursday 14 November at BDC Branson Centre - table bookings on sale soon at $40 per table. Trophy sponsorship opportunities are available.
• BDC Golf Day - Sunday 10 November - sponsorship and player opportunities will be available soon.

Congratulations to the below students.

2024 Semester 1 Principal List Recipients

2024 Semester 1 Scholar List Recipients

2024 Semester 1 World Options Commendation Awards

Nick Johnstone
Principal