Rotarians are Community Influencers (if we want to be!)
A few months ago All Saints College Principal, Belinda Provos, told us about ‘what matters at All Saints’ and mentioned the creation of an alternative school in Fremantle - The Studio School.
Ten Applecross Rotarians accepted Belinda’s invitation to visit to the Studio School a few weeks ago and at a recent breakfast meeting some of them commented on the visit. We were hosted by the Head of the Studio School Nina Anderson. Nina had previously been Head of the Senior School at All Saints.All ten Rotarians who visited the Studio School came away very impressed. Former school Principal Margaret was taken by the collaborative behaviour the students were exhibiting as we walked through the beautiful old building in Adelaide St, Fremantle. They were working alone or in small groups and seemed focussed on the tasks they had set themselves. Students and staff call each other by their first names, and while this is a friendly gesture there was clearly respect that was accorded to one another. President Tom (an “Old Saint”) was impressed by the obvious Trust he perceived, that was also two-way, and he believed the students were building communication and Interpersonal skills that will serve them well in the big world awaiting them.
Nina told us the students thrive in the learning environment they help to create, and understand and respect the few rules they have agreed to follow. She remarked that students who come from Montessori schools seem to adapt to the Studio School very quickly.
The school aims for a total of 120 students, 40 in each of years 10, 11 and 12. Some of them come from the main All Saints campus in Bull Creek, and others are direct entry, usually into year 10. ATAR subjects are offered and the University of Notre Dame Library is happy to serve the needs of all students at the Studio School. Several former students are now enrolled in university as well as TAFE courses.
So when a friend asks you for advice about a son/daughter or grandchild that doesn’t seem to be ‘fitting in’ in their current secondary school, tell them to have a look at the Studio School in Fremantle.