As the New Year commences I am reminded of a great quote attributed to Plato.
“The beginning of something is always very important. Especially when it is young and needs time to grow.”
The New Year marks another new beginning. Many make New Year resolutions; many renew commitments, some start new careers, hobbies, and adventures.
For children around the world, their life is just beginning. It is important that as Plato said, we value the importance of childhood, and remember we only have one chance at childhood.
As we reflect upon what a quality life and a quality education is, I continue to encourage society to embrace the notion of the whole child, not just the bits that some try to measure or prove by dubious testing and data.
A life is precious and meaningful and best measured not by a data spreadsheet with numbers, but by the richness and breadth and depth of a life.
As we start another new beginning, a new decade, a new year, let us continue to commit to embracing the richness and importance of childhood.
As we are about to start another new year of work, I am always thankful that I am not restricted by having to talk political spin about the true value of a quality education. I am ever thankful that in working for our own not for profit organisation, we are free to pursue what research tells us the world over. Life is about quality, not just empirical data on a page. Working in government may provide some opportunities to make a difference, but working for society, free of political restraints and being free to speak the truth, ensures we have made the biggest difference.
I am so proud of our organisation that without any support from any other organisation; we have now brought play, engagement, happiness, well being, attendance, oral language and appreciation of school back to thousands of children in every state and territory of this country.
Being fee to pursue the truth is a blessing and our organisation is totally committed to continuing this work.
Happy new year and please everyone, stay true to your selves. It pays great dividends!!!