From Our Principal

Embracing a growth mindset

Thursday, 6 March 2025
Sometimes in our lives we encounter individuals or groups with fixed mindsets. People with these mindsets believe that their talents and abilities are fixed, and cannot be improved. Their learning is stifled, because they will not venture beyond their comfort zone, and see effort and persistence as pointless. They are not open to feedback, and often resent the person offering it. People with a fixed mindset generally turn their back on new approaches and stick to what they have done in the past, without evaluating its effectiveness.

John Robinson

Principal

Those with a growth mindset on the other hand, embrace challenges, seeing them as an opportunity for individual or collaborative growth. They welcome feedback and constructive criticism, as they strive for personal growth and opportunities to learn. Those with a growth mindset are more likely to persist and practise skills, to bounce back from setbacks, to evidence grit and determination and be open to multiple ways of solving problems. With this ability to solve problems comes increased self-respect, and the cycle continues. Research shows that improved health, sleep, levels of physical activity and general wellbeing are all given a boost.

“A ship in port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for. Sail out to sea and do new things.” – Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, US Navy

As parents and caregivers, I would like to thank you all for modelling a growth mindset.  The beginning of a new year can bring challenges, with a new timetable, different teachers, changing friendship dynamics, and a College in the middle of a significant (but exciting!) building project. Consider the excellent example you have set when your children have seen you relish new learning and challenges, demonstrate grit and persistence, openness to feedback and a willingness to bounce back from setbacks. You might still be in the “not yet” stage of acquiring a skill or understanding, but your wisdom and experience enables you to realise that through effort you will get there.

Congratulations to all parents and caregivers on the outstanding example you set for our students. I am very proud of my association with you and know that together we will continue to achieve big things at this fine College.

Our new building is on track

Have you noticed the work on the new lift shaft? I have just come from a meeting with the builders and architects and works are still on track for completion in December. We have asked the architects to prepare an update for you soon.

Anglican and proud of it!

As an Anglican College, Investigator College has strong links with Adelaide’s finest schools as together we strive to provide the richest education possible for your children.

Among these are St Peter’s College (Boys), St Peter’s College (Girls), Pulteney Grammar, St Andrew’s, St Peter’s Woodlands, Walford, Woodcroft, Trinity, St John’s Grammar School, St Columba and Pedare. This is in addition to leading Colleges from around the nation including Geelong Grammar, Caulfield Grammar, Abbotsleigh, Cranbrook, Shore and The King’s School.

This year our staff members continue their regular communication with teachers in other Anglican Colleges and this brings enormous benefits to your children. Edwina Bruce is doing a fine job as our first Anglican Chaplain and skilfully led two Ash Wednesday services this week.

John Robinson
Principal
learn@investigator.sa.edu.au

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