MIDDLE SCHOOL REFLECTS ON COURAGE
What are some of the highlights of Year 7 so far?
An interview with Year 7 student Josh Taylor on Courage. This edition of Spectemur highlights the interconnectedness of Courage with all of our School Values. At Camberwell Grammar School we value courage because we see its benefit every single day. Here we explore courage and take a look at how it is viewed by members of our Middle School. Through our interactions, it became clear that courage takes shape in many forms and varies from one student to the next. Courage allows us to stretch our comfort zones and accomplish feats that we did not think we were capable of. In academia, in our professional lives and in all of our favourite endeavours it is courage that allows us to continually exceed our personal best. Establishing a culture that fosters courage requires respectful relationships at the core of the community. It is only when there is sufficient trust that we are prepared to remove our armour and wrestle with vulnerability. Mr Troy Stanley Head of Middle School
Well right now it is camp, I like being on camp. But in starting Year 7 also we are starting a new era in a new community. Not just that but the [school] work is also a highlight. What are some of the biggest challenges and changes in going from primary school to Year 7? The qualities of the school - it’s a bigger school, but a very nice community too. I’ve only been here seven weeks but there are very nice people, very nice teachers. The uniform is different as well, I have to wear a blazer and a tie. I’m still learning with the tie, my Dad is helping me though. Who has been helping you this term with the challenges? My family, Mum and Dad and my Brother, they help me. They encourage me a lot. Like when I started, I knew some people, but on the first day they told me to look around and find new friends. How is that working out for you? It’s good, I’ve got new friends. I have maybe 15 new friends. How did you meet them? Just by playing with them, playing sport, and meeting them in the form, House, and lunchtimes. Can you think of anything else that has helped you make friends and settle in to Year 7?
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The Teachers said in the first week, find some new people and hang out with them for the week, and you should make some new friends. I did that, I met some new people and we became friends. Yes, I’ve noticed that even from day one, at Orientation Day, you were going around and really supporting the other guys in your House. Yes I find if you go around and make nice comments and encourage people then you will make new friends, and they will also like you and they will see you are a good person. That helps. Courage is one of our School values, can you think of any way that you or others students have shown courage this year? I have used courage in terms of sport, but also with my school work. I have had the courage to put my hand up and answer questions [from the teacher], if I get it wrong I don’t mind, maybe I’ll get the next one right. And in terms of my friends, one broke his arm, and he still came to cricket as a team fielder. That showed courage. Another one of my friends sprained his ankle, he was trying to keep himself happy even though he could not go to camp. In terms of new students starting Year 7, is there any advice you could offer them? Give everything a go and try your best. If you don’t get into the thing that you want to just try harder. Don’t talk yourself down, talk yourself up, and keep your head up.
