Dean of Waterford | Mr Luke Gribble

In the early years of high school, the relationship between adolescent boys and their teachers can become very challenging. Parents will often feel the same shift. Boys that were once compliant and eager to please through primary school start to challenge authority and push back on the rules and expectations. It is a natural part of development and part of growing up. They are seeking independence, in some cases, a bit too quickly. At this stage, we often find that adolescents are big on being respected but sometimes struggle with the concept that respect is a two-way relationship.

It is wonderful to witness the boys' transition during their time at Waterford. They are at an age where they are starting to mature and begin to see the effort put in by their teachers and non-teaching staff. They begin to shift their attitude from teachers being the enemy to their ally or supporter. Hopefully, they also start becoming more appreciative of the privileges provided to them at home. The opposite can also occur if they still have immature behaviours and choose not to work with their teachers. These boys find Waterford a challenging place, and they often perceive that they get picked on. The reality is that they are on the radar of their teacher because of repeated negative behaviours. They can go off the radar with repeated efforts to engage positively in the learning environment. Boys that are slow to realise this are the ones that find Waterford a challenge. Students in this age bracket start to move on to expectations and behaviours that align with the Senior school, where working together in collaboration with their teacher becomes the norm.

One of the most powerful stages in this evolution is when the boys themselves start to challenge their peers’ poor classroom behaviour because they start thinking, “you’re holding me back”. The class clown, who once had an audience that encouraged this behaviour, now finds that they are getting left behind and may become isolated from their peers.

The sense of community is growing at Waterford. There is an element of calmness in the building in the mornings before school. The boys have found their tribe and the place where they feel comfortable engaging with like-minded friends. The Eddie’s Brekky we often run at the Waterford entrance before school on Fridays is an excellent chance for staff and students to interact outside the classroom. There is an opportunity to purchase a bacon and egg sandwich and an iced coffee to raise funds supporting Eddie’s Van. The added benefit is that it is also a leadership opportunity for those that volunteer to serve others. These types of interactions are what makes Waterford a special time in the Terrace journey. Hopefully, your son can join us at the Eddie’s Breakfast this Friday morning.

After negotiations with Immersion providers, we have been able to allocate all 250 Year 10 boys into an Immersion program of their choice. These allocations were sent to your son’s student email. Over the coming weeks, more information will be provided regarding itineraries, equipment, and clothing.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the boys from the Waterford Council. The boys have been outstanding in helping to run the Basketball 3 on 3 Tournament, the Year 5 Futsal competition and the Eddie’s BBQ Brekky.