Our Quest for Belonging

By Morgan Brookes, Head of Senior School.

I recently read the Don Tillman Series by Australian Novelist, Graeme Simsion (The Rosie Project Series). Although I had heard about these books many times before, I finally took the plunge. As with any good book, it has prompted deep reflection on the roles of parents, teachers, and education - each integral to children and young people’s growth, and inextricably linked.

Despite some clichés, the warm-hearted series emphasises the uniqueness of humans and our quest for belonging - a significant pursuit for our beloved teens. As I delved into these well-known and cherished books, I reflected on several themes related to education and my great privilege of serving this wonderful community:

• The protagonist, Don Tillman, a genetics professor who exhibits traits associated with autism, promotes understanding of different brains and neurodiversity. His journey encourages us to appreciate diverse minds and interactions.
• The books underscore the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. How can we better support students and foster an inclusive environment that values all ways of learning and problem-solving?
• Don’s journey also highlights the ongoing need for empathy in understanding others. How do we cultivate a culture of empathy among students, encouraging them to appreciate differences and support one another?
• Communication and developing connections in relationships are both crucial. How does Cornerstone, with its emphasis on restorative practices, value relationships among students, teachers, and parents? Are we effectively fostering a community of support and collaboration?
• The series emphasises the value of personal growth and resilience - two essential traits we want our students to carry into the world.
• Don’s character evolves throughout the series, illustrating the power of personal growth. How do we, as parents and teachers, model and encourage a growth mindset and the value of learning from mistakes?
• Finally, I also considered how the themes of love and partnership extend to our engagement with one another in the educational process. Strong partnerships enhance support for students’ learning and well-being.

Graeme Simion is an Australian Novelist, author of The Rosie Project series, which has sold over six million copies in forty-two languages, and other international bestsellers including The Best of Adam Sharp and the Two Steps series, which he wrote with his partner, Anne Buist. They are definitely worth the read.

On that note, we thank our families and all of you who partner with us to nurture our young people at Cornerstone College. Your willingness to engage in difficult conversations, face challenges together, and celebrate triumphs makes a significant impact on our young peoples’ journeys.

Morgan Brookes
Head of Senior School.