We are lucky in Australia to have choices of school type (government, non-government, and Catholic), and composition (co-educational and single sex). It is important that parents make choices for their children’s education that best suit their needs.
It is so refreshing to be back in a single sex boys’ school where the energy is palpable, the humour readily shared, and the (calculated) risk taking with learning, sport, and cultural activities is apparent.
I love the ways in which boys interact both with each other, and with the staff. I love the fact that in a boys’ only environment they will step up into debating, public speaking, music performance, and singing. I am often humbled by their spiritual yearning: to know more, to be reflective, and to live out the gospel in favour of those who need our help the most. I love the camaraderie they have for their peers, and the genuine affection they show one another.
I am delighted with how they have engaged with a newcomer principal and have shaken my hand and wished me a good day. I am amazed at their questions, and genuine curiosity in wanting to know about new people. I am so heartened by the way in which I have been welcomed in.
Boys seek relationship: they want to know you are invested in them personally, and their interests. They want you to know them, and deeply. Once this is established, then we are ready to learn together, and build a sense of belonging, community, and pride in our school. Whether they outwardly tell us or not, they thrive on consistency, and clear, unambiguous boundaries. I call this 'the line in the sand.'
The energy that boys bring to a school is reciprocal and infectious. In turn, we are energised by them. Our task is to help them to become good men, not at some distant point in the future, but right now. We have wonderful gentlemen and gentle men here at Ambrose Treacy College. I am proud to say that I am part of this great boys’ school in the Edmund Rice tradition, where each boy is welcome, included, valued, and cherished for who he is.
Dr Craig Wattam
College Principal
