Learner Attributes

In this issue of the College Newsletter, I want to continue unpacking the Learner Attribute section of our College Pedagogical Framework. Our Learner Attributes identify the skills which students need to transition effectively into the world beyond school. The sixteen Learner Attributes have been grouped into four key areas: Engaging, Relating, Developing and Managing. To recap from the Term 1 Newsletter, where the focus was on Engaging.

Engaging

Engaging is about actively participating in our learning. It involves creating new ideas, analysing information, applying knowledge to real situations, and using our skills to make positive changes. Through engagement, we become active contributors to our own learning and the world around us.

Engaging, which encompasses the learner attributes of Creating, Analysing, Applying and Transforming, is vital to the development of confident and adaptable learners. Engagement nurtures student agency, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. It moves students beyond passive consumption of content toward active contribution, encouraging them to use their God-given talents and abilities in service to others and the world. In doing so, our students not only flourish academically but also grow spiritually and socially, living out their calling with purpose and hope.

When students create, they reflect the creativity of God, who made us in His image. Through analysing, they grow in discernment and critical thinking, aligning with Proverbs 2:2–6, which encourages us to “turn our ear to wisdom and apply our heart to understanding.” Applying knowledge enables learners to make sense of the world God has given them; putting faith into action (James 2:17). And through transforming, students live out Romans 12:2, being transformed by the renewing of their mind to bring positive change in their communities.

This time, I want to focus on:

Relating

Relating is about connecting with others effectively. It involves communicating clearly, working well in teams, listening actively, and understanding different perspectives. Through relating, we learn to interact positively with all people and build strong relationships.

The ability to relate effectively with others, encompassing the learner attributes of Communicating, Collaborating, Listening and Empathising, is foundational for lifelong learning, personal wellbeing and supporting positive relationships. When students learn to communicate clearly, collaborate purposefully, listen actively and empathise with others, they develop the skills necessary to navigate diverse perspectives and work constructively in teams. These capacities not only support academic learning but also foster emotional intelligence and resilience and help prepare them for a complex and interconnected world.

From a Biblical perspective, the importance of relating well to others is clear. In Philippians 2:4 we are encouraged to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others, reflecting the attributes of listening and empathising. Jesus’ life and ministry exemplifies compassionate communication and collaboration, setting a model for students to relate to others with love, humility and grace. By learning to relate well, we demonstrate God’s love, grow in community and become people who make a positive difference in the lives of others.

As a College, we are encouraged daily as we see our students developing in their learning and becoming the people who God has made them to be.

CSEN Public Speaking Championships

"On Tuesday 20^th of May, St Andrews hosted the CSEN Public Speaking Competition. Both the Senior Secondary team (Talulah, Bellissa, Joel, Derek, Alisha and coach Yiran) and the Junior Secondary team (Abigail, Emmanuel, Jaime, Raquel, Maia and coaches Youran and Summer-Joy) worked very hard over the past few weeks, meeting on Friday lunchtimes to practice both prepared and impromptu speeches. Fortunately, all their hard work paid off, as St Andrews were the overall winners of the Championship. The Junior Secondary team claimed victory, while the Senior team came a close second to Maranatha Christian College. Well done to all our brave speakers!"

VEX Robotics Competition

Thirty-five St Andrews students attended the season's first VEX Robotics competition at Templestowe College on the 1st of July. The teams have been busy building, testing, coding, and driving their robots in preparation for this event. Each team had to build a robot from scratch using VEX-approved materials, designed to manipulate the game elements and score as many points as possible. The students have already built many impressive mechanisms, including lifts, intakes, conveyor belts, as well as fast and strong drivetrains. It was a thrilling day filled with learning, problem-solving, and success as our teams tackled the 2025 VEX challenge. 

Each year, VEX introduces new V5 and IQ games that teams around the world strive to master. Our students skilfully manipulated the game elements to score maximum points quickly, aiming for victory. Such a great start to the season—can’t wait to see what’s next!

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition 

In May (20^th – 22^nd ), 57 students from Year 5 to Year 11 challenged themselves by competing in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking competition (CAT). This competition is run by the Australian Maths Trust and encourages students to think deeply, observing patterns and trends and developing algorithms to find solutions to a variety of problems. Students who succeed in this competition demonstrate a high degree of critical thinking as well as the ability to predict based on observed data. Congratulations go to the following students who achieved a distinction or higher in this competition.