Leadership

Reading the results of a recent international survey conducted by UNICEF, my observations about young people were affirmed. The results of The Changing Childhood Project reinforced what I was seeing and hearing from our students – an optimism about the future and a determination to be agents of change.

‘Compared to older generations, the world’s young people remain hopeful, much more globally minded, and determined to make the world a better place. Today’s young people have concerns for the future, but see themselves as part of the solution.’

– The Changing Childhood Project

Young people are optimistic, but not naïve. The survey captures their restlessness for action on climate change, their sense of urgency for progress in the fight against discrimination, their impatience around issues of inequality, their scepticism about the information they consume on social media.

When the first students involved in the Sustainability Committee addressed members of the Board in 2019, they were clear about their values, objectives and direction. These students wanted Clarendon to fulfil its responsibilities to its immediate, local and global communities by minimising its environmental footprint and integrating sustainability considerations into all facets of decision making, including infrastructure planning, curriculum development as well as purchasing and logistical determinations.

Our students recognised an issue and recognised that they could and should step forward to take action towards change. Many step away when the problem seems insurmountable; our students understood, and continue to understand, that even the smallest steps can create momentum and that progress may be incremental in time, but radical over time.

In 2021, student voices urged us to consider our responsibilities in regard to the work of Reconciliation. After consultation with a number of organisations and with the endorsement and support of the Board, Clarendon’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group was established.

At its heart, Reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those from other communities for the benefit of all Australians. At Clarendon, we believe we have a responsibility, in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, to develop empathy and awareness amongst our students, staff, parents and wider school community.

Recently, we formalised our commitment to Reconciliation through the establishment of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), which aims to foster higher levels of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions for the benefit of our whole community.

Delivering on our Reconciliation Action Plan is a long-term commitment that will require ongoing consideration and collaborative effort. We are excited about the possibilities that strengthening our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples could create and are committed to becoming a champion of Reconciliation within broader society.

Hopeful. Globally minded. Determined. Restless for change. I see these qualities in the students of Clarendon.

By stepping up and stepping forward, the voices of these young people are elevated. As the leaders of tomorrow, their voices are critical to any discussion and decision making about their future. It is incumbent on the adults in their lives to do their part to ensure that these young people inherit and continue to nurture a better world.

David Shepherd OAM, Principal   

June 2022