Dear Boarding Families,
Boarding is a high-risk setting in any school and issues and bumps will occur from time to time. As I have found over my time, as the Head of Boarding when we don’t communicate, actions between parents and staff or staff and parents, we both effectively hold a biased view and break our ability to share in the communication which forms the respect and trust around how we operate.
I was recently reading an article in a school online platform about the importance of taking the perspective of others and how it is difficult to find solutions to problems that satisfy everyone involved? the article goes on to say
In order to resolve conflict constructively, so that all parties are satisfied with the outcome, a person must be able to hold all the opposing ideas, positions, and perspectives in mind at the same time and still function effectively. Successful problem-solving and conflict resolution largely depends on a person’s ability to take the opponent’s cognitive and affective perspectives and understand how the conflict appears to the other person and how that person is reacting emotionally and attitudinally. If a person cannot take the perspective of opponents, then his or her understanding of the issue is limited and incomplete.
Over my two years in this position, I feel we have run a very successful model here at Launceston Grammar Boarding. As all relationships go in life whether it be personal, family or friends, they require constant work and effort. What was successful in one scenario may not apply to the next. The ability to continue to engage in a 360° sense has seen some very successful outcomes in our space.
To the new parents who have come in the last two years, you are the future of Grammar boarding and you need to champion what you see and hear in our community. To the old and bold parents who have been with us for more than two years, hang in there! Some of you will welcome your fifth Head of Boarding and third Headmaster (principal) and you need to continue to get behind them.
Thank you to the parents I have spoken with over the last few weeks, I have been overwhelmed by your kind words and support which has been very much appreciated.
Enjoy your fortnight!
Kind Regards,
Ash
