Zoe's Journey

High School came far too quickly and soon we were sending her off on the very first Pecanwood LEETO, introduced by Mr Barrett, to experience 11 days in the wilderness with her peers. The teenager that returned from LEETO was not the same one we sent away. This one returned with not only hundreds of stories to tell, but also a new level of maturity and independence. The once shy child from Pre-Prep days had gained confidence and was ready to make her voice heard in the world. We were delighted with her appointment as prefect, holding the Academics portfolio and watched our little girl, who used to hide behind my legs in company, address a hall full of parents and children in her public addresses.  

All of a sudden, I am parent to an adult. One that drives a car on her own, takes herself shopping and is capable of mapping her own path in the world.

The speed at which this all took place is dizzying. You can’t slow it down or stop it if you try. What you can do is enjoy every moment because every phase of their development is different and you will miss the challenging parts too. When they enter the high school phase, they will be moody and sullen and have a tendency to backchat, spending unbelievable amounts of their time sleeping. They do emerge from this cocoon eventually, although at times you despair that your sweet child is lost forever. 

Looking back, my future self would tell me to stop sweating the small stuff. A failed assessment is a learning opportunity, not the end of the world. A poor report card is an opportunity for reflection, not a time to panic. I can see in my Grade 9 son that academic rigour does eventually set in, sometimes it just takes an agonisingly long time.  

Don’t interfere! Trust the school. There are times in my daughter’s school days where I felt the need to question class placements and the splitting of friendships and the disaster that ensued from my interference did no good for my child. I should have trusted her teachers. That lesson was one I did not forget.  

What I did not regret, was letting her work at her own pace, play sport at her ability and not place any additional pressure on her. She was responsible for her own performance and results. The end result is a goal orientated individual who has self-motivation and works because she wants to. 

To all three campuses and the dedicated teachers and management who have helped my child along the way, thank you! To those beginning the journey. All the best. You are in good hands.