Archimedes’ Constant (3.1415….), Avogadro’s Number (6.02 x 1023), Planck Constant (6.62607015 x 10-34 ); numerical quantities of significance named after people of equal significance, for their contributions to our understanding of the world. These numbers are mysterious. They arise from the depths of the universe. Their arcane meaning touches each one of us. Admittedly, unless you’re a dyed in the wool Maths or Chemistry or Physics fan, these numbers are probably of little interest to you.
On the other hand, 150, now there is a number! You can read a book with 150 pages, drive a Ford F150 or saunter into Bunnings and buy an aluminium multi-fold ladder for $150 (well…$149, but let’s not quibble). Apply the label “Dunbar’s Number” and you have a horse of an entirely different colour.
Robin Dunbar is a British Anthropologist who studied social interaction. Contentiously, he determined a correlation between brain size and ability to sustain social relationships. To bring this from the esoteric to the mundane, according to Dunbar, based on the size of our brain, humans can comfortably maintain a maximum of 150 stable interpersonal relationships. To be fair, he fleshes it out a bit more than this. We sustain five shoulder to cry on, loved one type, close friends, 15 (including close friends) good friends, 50 (that’s 15 good friends plus extras) friends, 150 meaningful contacts, 500 acquaintances etc. etc.
As an aside, I wonder what this might mean for young people? Relationships for them, are often mediated through the medium of social media platforms. What effect does the number of “friends” or followers have in determining self-image, self-worth and self-value? This is a question worth thought but best left for another day.
On Monday morning this week, school commenced, one or two weeks late, depending on year level, and a cautious start to be sure. As beings who thrive on routine, changing the normal ebb and flow of a year can be destabilising for young men. Re-establishing relationships therefore, becomes highly important, relationships with friends, teachers, coaches, tutors, the Eddies Team in general.
Eddies Men gathered in House groups outside, sanitised and socially distanced, to share a welcome “breakfast”. Well, not so much a breakfast as a cheese bun and popper, food being the great equaliser here. Interestingly enough, the population of each of our eight houses is about 150.
As the day progressed, our masked wave of young men dispersed throughout the College for various activities and Year 7 students connected with Year 12 and Year 10 buddies. In classrooms, teachers and students connected again. In the school grounds, friends connected again and hopefully everyone connected again with the routine of daily school life.
Is there a specific limit to the number of connections, interpersonal relationships we sustain? Five close friends? Viewing any area of the grounds in between lessons might validate this thought. The place is full of tight knit groups of friends engaged in any number of discussions and exchanges. 15 close friends? Seems about right. Meaningful contacts at 150? I’m not sure. Maybe Dunbar was right, the answer isn’t clear.
What is clear however, is the need for connection. The importance of a community where people feel they have a place and are supported. We strive to make Eddies a community where all our young men feel connected, their place here based on right relationships, respect and compassion. Indeed, all in our Eddies Team form part of an intimate connection that creates the environment where our Eddies Men have the best opportunity to grow their talents and skills.
Schools are desolate, empty places without students and families so it’s great to have you back! I look forward to leaving the remnants of the pandemic behind and reconnecting to the full life of our Eddies community as we move through 2022.
Mobile Phones
Recently families received an updated copy of the College Technology Use (Student) Policy, including new expectations around the use of mobile phones at school. This document was created after extensive consultation last year with parents and caregivers, staff and students. There is no doubt that these devices can be powerful tools for connecting people. Conversely though, they are also equally powerful at diminishing these connections if used too frequently and unwisely.
Thank you in advance for your support in the implementation of these new expectations. Anecdotally, my observation is an improvement in quantity and quality of conversation since mobile phones have found their place in pockets and satchels, rather than staring back at intensely focussed faces too occupied to talk to the friend sitting next to them.
Pathways
On Thursday morning, the College took possession of a near new 6-cylinder, 12.8 litre Detroit diesel engine. This motor will offer our students a platform to explore and develop skills that will lead to any number of careers in mining and engineering, as well as many others, not the least being heavy diesel mechanic.
I would sincerely like to thank Penske Australia for this substantial contribution to the College. This is a sizable and extremely generous undertaking for Penske, who will also offer substantial training and support. Our young men will certainly benefit from the opportunity to learn by working on such an advanced engine, as well as accessing the expertise of Penske Australia.
