As the semester winds down, counter intuitively, life around the College seems to shift into overdrive. Things get a little busier, a little more intense, maybe — you could say — even a bit frantic. In staffrooms and offices all over The Hill, assessments are being marked, feedback is flying out on an electronic platform of digital precision (EDE) and report data are being written at full speed. Deadlines loom for all. And…in the middle of this controlled frenzy one thing becomes crystal clear, coffee is absolutely essential.
Now, no offence to tea drinkers out there — respect — but let’s be honest, it’s the coffee that’s sought after. With its essential ingredient, caffeine (or 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine for the more chemically minded — try throwing that one out at the dinner table) this bitter brew has become a singularly staple star selection stimulant beverage.
In workplaces everywhere and I’m going out on a limb here, coffee machines barely get a break, practically running 24/7. Coffee is king or queen (insert autocratic leader of choice here), and we’re not taking questions on that.
There’s a coffee for every mood, mode and moment; long black, iced latte, flat white, cappuccino, espresso, macchiato, americano (why do so many end in “o”?). There’s even the occasional extra-hot, cold brew, half-strength, chai-infused decaf on skinny soy with a splash of hazelnut. Making the perfect cup has become a bit of a science. From a humble bean (Coffea arabica, robusta and friends), picked precisely on time, roasted to the ideal medium-dark, ground to perfection…brewed…with loving care, coffee has been keeping people going since the 15th century.
And the machines we use today? They’re something else. With digital displays, pressure sensors and more buttons than a sewing convention, they’re a testament to how far we’ve come. Behind every great cup is a barista who’s part scientist, part artist. It’s all about learning, refining and improving.
Continuous learning is something we really believe in here at Eddies. Ideally our young men stay curious and keep learning long after they leave our place here at the top of Mary Street. Our Eddies staff, as lifelong learners, are on that journey as well. Every year as a learning community we build professional development into our program so we can keep growing, keep improving and keep giving our best to the young men we serve.
Because when we keep learning, everyone benefits.
In the coming week the College will hold its annual Staff Conference. This year’s theme is “Guided by Tomorrow”. For five days our staff will have the chance to learn from experts, to refine practice, to innovate strategies and to improve pedagogy.
Experienced keynote speakers from a variety of external organisations as well as within our community will present keynote addresses and workshops on topics including:
- The Resilience Project
- Inclusive Practices
- Evidence Informed Pedagogy and
- Academic Integrity
Our young men work through cycles of learning and assessment on their path to being independent in a modern world, and our staff journey in parallel with them through each learning progression. Coffee — and tea — may revive the occasionally waning creative spirits but dedication and commitment, continued improvement and learning, drive them. In classrooms, on sporting fields, on stages, in practice, in reflection and in learning, we do our part in the Eddies Team, creating strong, kind and gentle Eddies Men.
I wish all our Eddies families all the best over the break.
