Hero Ingredients

I have been diligently watching the new season of MasterChef, which is one of my favourite TV shows. I think this show is very different from many other reality TV shows. I appreciate the emphasis that is placed on learning new culinary skills and the goal to challenge and push the cooking limits of each “home cook” on the show. Often on this show, the contestants who learn the most on their MasterChef journey, through attending Masterclasses and participating in elimination and immunity challenges, do very well during the final few weeks. I am always amazed at how much the different contestants improve throughout the season. I have observed during the past few seasons of watching the show that there is always an atmosphere of encouragement, respect, and positive feedback. It appears that this is part of the show’s culture and the contestants and judges own it. This also makes the show rather easy and enjoyable to watch.

I have often reflected on the importance of our learning culture. In many ways, we want to have a MasterChef-like experience for our students: We want to encourage one another with our learning. We want to celebrate growth and the achievement of learning a new skill or gaining new knowledge and understanding. We want to create a culture where we are safe to make mistakes with our learning and to feel supported in trying something again.

In the Bible, we are reminded in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV), “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

At Northside Christian College, our Vision Statement is “To be an inspirational Christian learning community”. We are encouraged to inspire one another to do our best each day with the support of the staff at the College and our parents. May I encourage our students today to embrace this period of remote learning – which can feel a bit like a “mystery box” (to use a MasterChef term) – as a new challenge to achieve your best despite the circumstances and to connect with and support your classmates in doing the same.

I look forward to hearing about what new skills and knowledge you gain during this experience.

Michael Bond, Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School