Here is the latest update on the PARED School Melbourne project.
Marina Haines - YouTube link
In March, Marina gave us a wonderful presentation on the beginnings of the third PARED school in Sydney, Montgrove College (originally Orchard Hills Preparatory School). Marina was the founding principal of this school, and retired from that position last year.
 |
| Orchard Hills Preparatory School |
 |
| First class |
She brought an entertaining set of photos showing the very first class of 15 boys, bright as buttons! And also the original small house and land that has become a beautiful school building and grounds. The original land featured the "grove", that served in those early years as a playground, performing arts and public speaking arena, tutorial space and anything else required at a moment's notice! The final photo, very moving, was taken at Marina's retirement farewell dinner - attended by the vast majority of the students in that very first class.
It was inspiring to hear how well every single student's character and abilities can be developed with the care and attention given by staff members and parents in a PARED school, even in the very beginning when numbers are small and facilities are makeshift. With enthusiasm and creativity, the possibilities are endless!
 |
| Montgrove College (originally Orchard Hills Preparatory) |
Marina's presentation can now be viewed on YouTube here.
Weekly "mottoes" and the human virtues program
Each month, the PARED schools bring a particular virtue into focus for different age groups. This virtue is then explored through different mottoes circulated each week in the newsletter. Parents and staff members are encouraged to discuss the virtues and mottoes with the students in different circumstances, and to demonstrate through their own example how the virtues can be lived.
For example, last term, Redfield College in Sydney suggested these virtues and mottoes for the last week of term:
Primary school - up to year 3
Virtue - Friendship. Motto - "I say please and thank you."
Primary school - years 4-6
Virtue - Study. Motto - "I finish things well and on time."
Secondary school - years 7-9
Virtue - Good use of time
Motto - "I strive to start on time."
Reflection - Punctuality saves my time and other people’s time. It is a good habit which helps me grow out of laziness and self centredness.
Secondary school - years 10-12
Virtue - Personal presentation and bearings
Motto - "The eyes are the windows of the soul." (Shakespeare)
Reflection - Do I look at others when I talk to them? Do I give my full attention to the person I am talking to? Do I smile when I greet people? Do my eyes reflect happiness and peace in my heart?
New prospective families
We will be holding information sessions in different parts of Melbourne, and meeting with interested families individually, in order to explain the school model and answer each family's questions. Please think seriously about friends and family you have who might be interested in hearing about the school - and pass their contact details onto us (or our details onto them) - we would love to hear about new families, and they might love to hear about us!
Of course, if you would like to know more about the Melbourne PARED school or have any questions about the project, please don't hesitate to email paredschoolmelbourne@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
The PARED School Melbourne Steering Committee
