On Thursday October 15, the School hosted a pilot Q&A event as an opportunity for those of the Preshil community and members of the public to learn more about Preshil. It was a fun night with the panel comprising teachers representing both the primary and secondary schools (Frank, Cal, Margaret and Andrew), two alumni (Liam Santamaria, a recently retired NBL Basketballer and now Primary School Teacher, and Rachel Nordlinger, Senior Lecturer in Linguistics at Melbourne University) and two VCE students (Tessa and Finn). Andrew Rogers, Director of Client Solutions, a consulting company to industry on leadership, assisted Margaret in facilitating the event through his presentation of some key controversial issues of relevance to educational practice which the panel was asked to consider in relation to Preshils’ approach to education. For those who couldn’t come, here’s an overview of the night.
Q. So how come you went?
A. Well, the public notices caught my eye and sparked some curiosity. I wasn’t sure what to expect ‘though.
Q. Many people?
A. Perhaps fewer than anticipated but they were a very lively, engaging and entertaining bunch.
Q. Did it heat up?
A. You mean, like, controversy?
Q. Mmmm.
A. Not really. There was structure, purpose and a number of wise heads talking.
Q. Like…?
A. Frank, of course; past and present students-brilliant! Oh, and current teachers from both campuses.
Q. Had they prepared speeches?
A. Hardly, but Marg Hepworth and Andrew Rogers did have some hooks and anecdotes to start and keep the ball rolling.
Q. Huh?
A. Andrew wove a thread through proceedings related to strengths-like, how well people do when they are encouraged and supported to develop their innate strengths.
Q. Sounds good.
A. Yeah, and this provided plenty of opportunity for each of the panellists to tell stories, or make comments that reflected Preshil’s way of nurturing the natural strengths of each person…
Q. What?
A. …providing the fertile conditions for them to achieve their unique potential, and perhaps even their dreams.
Q. Rrright…Many questions from the audience?
A. A few, but just as many comments or stories from current members of the school community.
Q. Couldn’t help themselves I suppose.
A. Na. You know how it is, once you get what this place is on about…
Q. Yep, you’ve gotta love it, and share the love.
- Yeah, something like that.