Mr Joel van Bentum | Principal   

Partnering - Boundaries and the Power of 'No'

At times, I am asked by families how they can support their children's education from home, and what are some good ways they can partner with the school. There are, of course, many ways that school and home can work together, and I thought I would share a few areas for families to consider as we continue to partner together.

In our current culture, there is an enormous focus on the autonomy of the individual. This is evident everywhere, from the fact that we now all have personal devices, to the need for individual accounts for things, to how we emphasise the idea of self (self-concept, self-esteem, self-actualisation). Now, this is not all bad. Acknowledging our individual personhood is important. However, if you have come from a different cultural background, such as Indigenous, Islander, or African culture, you may find this emphasis on the individual unusual. These more communal cultures emphasise the group over the individual. Rather than being defined by the group, we are defined by our role in the community.

The Bible holds these two concepts, the individual and the communal, in tension through the metaphor of the body. In 1 Corinthians, it says the body is made up of many parts, yet there is one body. And in Ephesians, it says that while there is diversity, there is unity in Christ. So, while we are all individual image-bearers and unique, we are also part of something greater than ourselves: a family, a church, a school, a community.

As parents, this can be a challenging concept to navigate, even within our own families, let alone within the broader community of the College.

Something that I often share with parents, which can really help develop balance in this space, is the importance of healthy boundaries. Now, the area of boundaries is multi-faceted, but for today, I want to focus on the power of saying "no" in creating and supporting healthy boundaries.

• No, provides structure and security for children, as predictable boundaries create a safe environment.
• No, cultivates resilience and realism, preparing children to face limits and teaching them to handle frustration.
• No, supports the development of self-discipline by teaching impulse control and the benefits of delayed gratification.
• No, builds empathy and encourages respect for boundaries, fostering emotional awareness of others.

One of the best ways you can partner with the College is by using the word "no" with your children and helping to foster healthy boundaries. This is one of the most powerful ways we can hold the tension of supporting our students as individuals, while also nurturing a College community working together toward the common goal of equipping students for a life of redemptive action.

Partners in Education Event

 To register visit our WEBSITE.