As a father and educator, I am acutely aware that school cannot be just a place where knowledge is passed onto students. The days of rote learning passages of historical texts, or lists of biological facts are over. The advent of the internet, and the development of artificial intelligence has given our younger generation seemingly unlimited access to even the most obscure facts and trivia when needed. A wise person once said, “Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad”. As comical as the phrase is, I believe there is so much truth to this. At Kolbe, we need to find ways to nurture the minds of our students to become reflective and ethical leaders of the future.
An example of our attempts to prioritise these experiences at Kolbe is our Year 9 TKW Program. This Rite of Passage experience is into its third year, and it challenges our students to embrace challenges, develop resilience and develop a deep appreciation for the positive influences in their lives, especially their family. Last week we celebrated the Calling and Departure Ceremony at Naval Memorial Park in Rockingham, where the families of our Year 9’s joined our Mentor Teachers to celebrate our students embarking on this year long program. It was wonderful to witness the emotions on the faces of our families and our students and they celebrated this special moment together.
As a dad of three teenagers, my greatest hope for my own children is not career oriented – thought to be honest I wouldn’t mind one of them becoming a knee surgeon to help me prolong my social cricket career – it is for them to develop into caring and considerate human beings who will not give up at the first sign of difficulty. It is hoping they develop a strong belief in their own value and contribute positively to the world around them. I believe that we have the same intent at Kolbe for your most precious assets. The world is rapidly changing, and academic knowledge and success alone is no longer enough. Guiding your children as they transition into adulthood is key to modern education. Careers are important, knowledge is vital – but neither should come at the cost of showing gratitude, being kind, embracing resilience and honouring family.
So at Kolbe, yes we will continue to teach mathematical equations, scientific law, economic theory and structure in literature. But we will continue to prioritise opportunities to develop wisdom. Wisdom in leadership, wisdom in humanity and wisdom in appreciating the gift of life and spirituality. Because at the end of the day, knowing a tomato is a fruit is useful. But knowing where it belongs is the true life lesson!