Japanese carpenters for hundreds of years have been renowned for their precision, accuracy and skill — and for twenty or so years I, as a lack lustre dabbler in the craft, have been in awe of the beautiful pieces produced by these amazing artisans. Refined to the highest degree, carpentry in Japan identifies as one of four distinct professions: palace and temple makers, miyadaiku, residential and teahouse carpenters, sukia-daiku, furniture craftsmen, sashimono-shi and those who specialise in finishing interiors, collectively known as tateguya (whew! thank you Wikipedia). Japanese houses, palaces and temples, teahouses, pieces of furniture and interiors were once constructed completely from wood, no nails, no screws, no glue.
Technically, and for me impressively, one instance of Japanese carpentry that stands out is known as the sunrise dovetail joint — I am sure there is a Japanese name for this but sadly Google let me down. YouTube however, shows how to make one in all its glory. I must admit, in a fit of extreme over confidence I have attempted the construction of this joint and failed miserably. Pieces of timber are planned to almost impossible smoothness, cut to near impossible accuracy, seemingly impossible to fit together, amazingly do so, to create a beautiful blend of style, function and art.
Incredibly the skills to create a temple, or teahouse or Japanese sunrise dovetail are the same. No matter which profession Japanese carpenters choose, miyadaiku, sukia-daiku, sashimono-shi or tateguya, they will need to have developed these same skills - cutting, chiselling, planning, designing, problem solving and cooperating. The same skills each time, albeit in a different context, temple, house, furniture, interior.
Japanese carpentry aside, our young men also need skills. No matter which course of study they choose or employment they gain. In this century young people will move through seventeen or more changes of pathway in their lives. The skills they require, however, are common to all paths. These capacities go by a variety of names, 21st Century Skills, Employability Skills or Transferable Skills. Nevertheless, educators and employers, universities, small businesses and large corporations agree on their importance.
The capacities of being able to collaborate, problem solve, think creatively, research, analyse and communicate are just a few of many, needed in our constantly evolving world. Building these skills is not done overnight nor in isolation. Our young men hone their abilities in learning contexts, English, Mathematics and Science, Construction, Business and Technology. In addition to this our Eddies Men engage in a holistic education. Sport, culture and imperatively service, also provide the necessary contexts to develop the skills and abilities they will need. Armed with these skills, 21st Century, employability or transferable our young Eddies Men, strong, kind and gentle, will be well equipped to leave our place here on the hill, as self-reliant, independent and reflective individuals, who supported by our Eddies Team, can truly make a difference.
Honours Assembly
On Tuesday this week, through the marvels of live streaming, our Honours Assembly acknowledged the successes of the 2020 cohort in skills and training, as well as ATAR. Again, it was heart-warming to see parents on campus celebrating with us.
I would like to particularly congratulate Tom Parker who not only achieved the highest ATAR in the College but was also named as the College Dux for 2020.
Congratulations for excellence and achievement also go to Tom Biddle, Ben Choat, Harrison Midgely, Kerryn Ryan and Ben Tully in skills and training, as well as Tom Albury, Max Banditt, Seth Bishop, Sam Burling, Connor Cash, Daniel Deschamp, Declan Jolly, Tom McIntyre, Joe McKew, Josh Mole, Zac Pennell, Abishai Sujith, Lex Svensson, Luc Van Meurs and Lachlan Wesener in ATAR.
Well done gentlemen.
Celebration for Long Serving Staff
Recently in tallying the years of service given by a number of long term staff, we arrived at the staggering figure of 183 years. Unfortunately, with the restrictions of COVID in 2020, we were unable as a College to fully acknowledge or celebrate the vast contribution of these valued people. On Saturday 20 February, a luncheon will be held at Brothers Leagues Club to acknowledge Di Denman, Anne Mulkerin, Wayne Warren, Dave Gagen and Mark Currey. We look forward to seeing friends, past students and staff at Brothers on the day to celebrate these amazing careers. Tickets may be purchased from the College Office for $20 or click the link below to order online. Numbers are limited.
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/...
Year 7 Camp
After a relatively short drive to Camp Laurence yesterday I was able to visit a particularly lively group of Year 7 students. Mountain biking, canoeing, bush walking and camping were on the list of activities and it seems these challenges provided much fun for all. Camp provides our students with a chance for reflection and challenge, as well as an opportunity to bond as Houses and as a year level. Gauging from the animated conversations at dinner last night this group is solid. I am sure we will see a tired Year 7 crew return to us this afternoon but hopefully our young men are not too tired to remember to bring all their gear, expensive as it can be, home.
Why You Should Report Cyberbullying
One of the biggest issues related to cyberbullying is the lack of reporting. Without knowing something is wrong adults including parents, carers and teachers, cannot respond in an effective manner. Please follow the link below for more details
https://www.usq.edu.au/events/2021/02/did-you-know-talks/dyk-feb-cyberbully
