DOCSLIB.ORG

Autonomy and Accountability in Victorian Schools

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Autonomy and Accountability in Victorian Schools Making the Grade: Autonomy and Accountability in Victorian Schools Inquiry into School Devolution and Accountability Final Report July 2013 © State of Victoria 2013 This final report is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), without prior written permission from the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission. Cover images reproduced courtesy of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development ISBN 978-1-922222-08-4 (print) ISBN 978-1-922222-09-1 (pdf) Disclaimer The views expressed herein are those of the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission and do not purport to represent the position of the Victorian Government. The content of this final report is provided for information purposes only. Neither the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission nor the Victorian Government accepts any liability to any person for the information (or the use of such information) which is provided in this final report or incorporated into it by reference. The information in this final report is provided on the basis that all persons having access to this final report undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission GPO Box 4379 MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3001 AUSTRALIA Telephone: (03) 9092 5800 Facsimile: (03) 9092 5845 Website: www.vcec.vic.gov.au An appropriate citation for this publication is: Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission 2013, Making the Grade: Autonomy and Accountability in Victorian Schools, Inquiry into School Devolution and Accountability, final report, July. About the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC), which is supported by a secretariat, provides the Victorian Government with independent advice on business regulation reform and opportunities for improving Victoria’s competitive position. VCEC has three core functions: • reviewing regulatory impact statements, measuring the administrative burden of regulation and business impact assessments of significant new legislation • undertaking inquiries referred to it by the Treasurer, and • operating Victoria’s Competitive Neutrality Unit. For more information on the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission, visit our website at: www.vcec.vic.gov.au Disclosure of interest The Commissioners have declared to the Victorian Government all personal interests that could have a bearing on current and future work. The Commissioners confirm their belief that they have no personal conflicts of interest in regard to this inquiry. Level 37, 2 Lonsdale Street 31 July 2013 Melbourne Vic 3000 GPO Box 4379 Melbourne Vic 3001 T (03) 9092 5800 F (03) 9092 5845 Hon. Michael O'Brien MP E [email protected] Treasurer www.vcec.vic.gov.au 1 Treasury Place MELBOURNE VIC 3002 Dear Treasurer VCEC Inquiry into School Devolution and Accountability In accordance with the terms of reference received by the Commission on 17 September 2012, we have pleasure in submitting the Commission’s final report Making the grade: autonomy and accountability in Victorian schools. Yours sincerely Dr Matthew Butlin Deborah Cope Bill Mountford Chair Commissioner Commissioner Terms of reference Inquiry into School Devolution and Accountability I, Kim Wells MP, Treasurer of Victoria, pursuant to section 4 of the State Owned Enterprises (State Body - Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission) Order ('the Order') hereby direct the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission ('the Commission') to conduct an inquiry into School Devolution and Accountability. Background A key direction in schools over the past two decades has been increased devolution of decision­making to the school level. During the 1990s, for example, this policy provided Victorian government school principals with more scope to make educational, financial and management decisions. There may be more opportunities to empower school leaders and teachers, drawing on experience from other jurisdictions, to work with their communities and use local approaches to achieve better outcomes for students. When principals have greater flexibility to make decisions that affect their students, it becomes even more important to have the right mechanisms to hold principals accountable for how much and how fast their students learn, and to have the right governance and administration arrangements in place to support more autonomous schools. Scope of the inquiry The Commission is to inquire into and report on how much autonomy schools in Victoria have, and how this affects students, teachers and schools. The Commission is to identify whether there are areas and circumstances where more autonomy could improve how much and how fast students learn at school, or improve the efficiency of schools. In particular, the Commission is to: a) examine the current split of responsibilities in Victoria between the central education bureaucracy including its regional offices, and government schools across all areas, including governance, funding, infrastructure, workforce, operational model, curriculum and assessment; b) identify principles of good governance in a highly autonomous government school system, including the role and accountability of school councils; c) investigate and draw lessons from the experience of other systems that have significantly increased school autonomy, including the examples of WA independent public schools, UK academies and free schools and US charter schools; d) examine real­world examples of the effect on students and schools of greater autonomy (and limited autonomy), particularly for disadvantaged students; e) develop options for different levels of autonomy across schools in different circumstances if that is appropriate, including by identifying areas where schools could opt out of services provided centrally and use a budget to choose their own provider; f) identify the areas and circumstances where greater devolution to schools may have a positive impact and those in which the cost may outweigh any benefits; g) assess the costs and benefits of current legislation, regulation, guidelines, funding arrangements, common practices and other processes that may limit school, principal and teacher autonomy, including employment engagement and pay TERMS OF REFERENCE VII arrangements and any centralised administrative mechanisms, drawing on lessons from other jurisdictions; h) identify cultural and other factors which inhibit schools from maximising the potential benefits from existing levels of autonomy and devolution; i) examine the current arrangements for oversight of government schools, by assessing the clarity and effectiveness of existing governance structures within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development including the Regional Directorate model; j) identify principles to guide school and principal accountability arrangements; k) develop options to improve the accountability regime in line with the principles in (b), including any additional public information that would enable greater accountability to parents and carers; l) identify the capabilities required of the central education bureaucracy, its regional offices, school councils and principals in a highly autonomous school system and gaps with current capabilities; m) examine the current arrangements for regulatory oversight of government schools by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and identify any changes that would be needed if schools were more autonomous; n) identify existing barriers to choice within the public school system for parents and children and identify complementary policies to school devolution which can promote greater choice; and o) examine any institutional, cultural or funding barriers to high­performing public schools expanding under the current system. Emphasis should be placed on clearly identifying specific, concrete actions which can be taken to improve school governance and performance. This should include options for immediate action as well as specific strategies for the medium term. Inquiry process In undertaking this inquiry, the Commission is to have regard to its objectives and operating principles as set out in section 3 of the Order. The Commission must also conduct the inquiry in accordance with section 4 of the Order. The Commission is to consult with the education sector, academic institutions, business and relevant Victorian, Commonwealth and other jurisdictions government departments and agencies. The Commission should draw on the knowledge and expertise of relevant Victorian Government departments and agencies, and may conduct special surveys or hold public hearings at its discretion. The Commission is expected to produce the following documents: • an issues paper at the beginning of the inquiry process; • a draft report containing analysis and initial findings for public comment; and • a final report after the receipt of public submissions to be provided to me as soon as possible, but not later than 9 months after receipt of these terms of reference. KIM WELLS MP Treasurer Received: 17 September 2012 VIII MAKING THE GRADE: AUTONOMY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN VICTORIAN SCHOOLS Contents Terms of reference VII Contents IX Abbreviations XIII Glossary XV Key messages XIX Summary report XXI Recommendations LI 1 About the inquiry 1 1.1 The task 1 1.2 The Commission’s approach 2 1.2.1 Some overarching considerations 2 1.2.2 A targeted set of
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Inquiry Into Agricultural Education and Training in Victoria
    Education and Training Committee Inquiry into agricultural education and training in Victoria ORDERED TO BE PRINTED November 2012 by Authority Victorian Government Printer Parliamentary paper No.196 Session 2010–2012 Parliament of Victoria Education and Training Committee Inquiry into agricultural education and training in Victoria This report is also available at www.parliament.vic.gov.au/etc Printed on 100% recycled paper ISBN 978-0-9871154-2-3 ISBN 978-0-9871154-3-0 Electronic ii Contents Contents .............................................................................................................................. iii List of figures ...................................................................................................................... xi List of case studies ........................................................................................................... xiii Committee membership .................................................................................................... xv Functions of the Committee ............................................................................................. xvi Terms of reference ............................................................................................................ xvi Chair’s foreword .............................................................................................................. xvii Executive summary ......................................................................................................... xix List of
    [Show full text]
  • Boys Under 15
    Boys Under 15 Events Name YOB Team Results Boys 100m Bin Agos Sahbali, Amirul Sofian 97 Singapore Sports School 12.09 Boys 100m Moh, Shaun 97 Dunman High School 12.11 Boys 100m Bin Anuar, Zuhairi 97 Singapore Sports School 12.17 Boys 100m Sugita Tadayoshi, Richmond 97 Singapore Sports School 12.2 Boys 100m Lew, Jonathon 97 Raffles Institution 12.23 Boys 100m Kang, Yee Cher 98 Singapore Sports School 12.25 Boys 100m Ng, Kee Hsien 97 Hwa Chong Institution 12.25 Boys 100m Lee, Song Wei, Lucas 97 Singapore Sports School 12.36 Boys 100m Poy, Ian 97 Raffles Institution 12.37 Boys 100m Bin Abdul Wahid, Muhammad Syazani 98 Singapore Sports School 12.44 Boys 100m Toh, Jeremy 97 Anglo Chinese Sch Independant 12.51 Boys 100m Bin Fairuz, Rayhan 98 Singapore Sports School 12.63 Boys 100m Thia, Aven 97 Victoria School 12.63 Boys 100m Tan, Chin Kean 97 Catholic High School 12.66 Boys 100m Bin Norzaha, Muhammad Shahrieza 98 Singapore Sports School 12.72 Boys 100m Chen, Ryan Shane 98 Victoria School 12.73 Boys 200m Ong, Xin Yao 97 Chung Cheng High School (Main) 24.91 Boys 200m Sugita Tadayoshi, Richmond 97 Singapore Sports School 25.18 Boys 200m Kee, Damien 97 Raffles Institution 25.23 Boys 200m Kang, Yee Cher 98 Singapore Sports School 25.25 Boys 200m Lew, Jonathon 97 Raffles Institution 25.26 Boys 200m Bin Agos Sahbali, Amirul Sofian 97 Singapore Sports School 25.50 Boys 200m Bin Norzaha, Muhammad Shahrieza 98 Singapore Sports School 25.71 Boys 200m Bin Anuar, Zuhairi 97 Singapore Sports School 25.72 Boys 200m Toh, Jeremy 97 Anglo Chinese Sch Independant
    [Show full text]
  • Dates Worth Noting
    CCAREER MAILBOX Thursday 5th May 2016 DATES WORTH NOTING News from the University of Melbourne Engineering & I T Programs for School Students The University of Melbourne offers a range of exciting opportunities for secondary school students to visit Parkville campus and experience Engineering & IT. Some of these programs include – Hands on Computing Find out what computing and information systems study involves and the careers that can follow, through this interactive day long program. No particular computer skills are required except for an inquisitive and creative mind! Students will also have the opportunity to meet with academics and current students. Date: Tuesday 28 June 2016 Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm Hands on Engineering Hands on Engineering is a day-long program, for Year 10 students who are interested in mathematics and science, providing hands on experience in a variety of fun activities and workshops to learn about the different fields of engineering. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the campus and meet with academics and current students. Date: Thursday 30 June 2016 Time: 9.00am – 3.30pm To find out more about either of the above mentioned, and/or to register, visit Engineering & I T Holiday Programs VCA Schools Program – Walks of Art 2016 Aimed at Visual Art students and their teachers, this walking tour will take you around alleyways and into some of the smaller artist-run gallery spaces around Melbourne. Learn more about the contemporary visual art scene in Melbourne, and be inspired! This series of walking tours will be hosted by a VCA final year visual art student.
    [Show full text]
  • Structures Readings Book
    Structures in tertiary education and training: a kaleidoscope or merely fragments? Research readings NATIONAL CENTRE FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH Edited by Francesca Beddie Laura O’Connor Penelope Curtin Structures in tertiary education and training: a kaleidoscope or merely fragments? Research readings Edited by Francesca Beddie Laura O’Connor Penelope Curtin NATIONAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESEARCH PROGRAM RESEARCH READINGS The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author/ project team and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government or state and territory governments. Any interpretation of data is the responsibility of the author/project team. © Commonwealth of Australia, 2013 With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the Department’s logo, any material protected by a trade mark and where otherwise noted all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia <creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/au> licence. The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence <creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode>. The Creative Commons licence conditions do not apply to all logos, graphic design, artwork and photographs. Requests and enquiries concerning other reproduction and rights should be directed to the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). This document should be attributed as Beddie, F, O’Connor, L & Curtin, P (eds) 2013, Structures in tertiary education and training: a kaleidoscope or merely fragments? Research readings, NCVER, Adelaide.
    [Show full text]
  • Department of Education & Training 2016-2020 Strategic
    DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & TRAINING 2016 -2020 STRATEGIC PLAN CONTENTS SECRETARY’S MESSAGE .......................................................................................................................................... 3 STRATEGIC INTENT .................................................................................................................................................... 4 OUR VISION .............................................................................................................................................................. 4 OUR OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................................... 4 OUR VALUES ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 OUR OUTCOMES...................................................................................................................................................... 5 DET OUTCOMES FRAMEWORK .............................................................................................................................. 5 EDUCATION STATE TARGETS ................................................................................................................................ 5 DET OUTCOME INDICATORS .................................................................................................................................. 8 CONTEXT: CHALLENGES AND RISKS
    [Show full text]
  • Narrative Insights Into Education Eleanor Peeler [email protected]
    Windows into the past: narrative insights into education Eleanor Peeler [email protected] WINDOWS INTO THE PAST: NARRATIVE INSIGHTS INTO EDUCATION Eleanor Peeler University of Melbourne, Melbourne Abstract The intent of this paper is to stress the importance of narrative and story, and to share the experience of opening the windows of memory to look into the past and uncover fascinating and valuable histories as portrayed in a current study. The longitudinal study of an educator follows his life story and his role in education. Set in Victoria, it explores the founding of the State’s education system and highlights progressive developments. The life story reveals the history of the system and evolving philosophies that influenced the life of the subject. The study considers the philosophies and how they influenced the subject’s thinking and actions. Using windows as a metaphor, Part 1 of the paper includes discussion regarding the appropriacy of narrative as a research tool, considers the notion of memory and introduces the research subject. Part 2 gives insights into three distinct periods and the part played by three men who guided Victoria’s educational development and growth throughout the twentieth century. In relation to each is a brief discussion of their influence on the career of the research subject. Windows into the past While the story of the narratives holds interest, the process of narrative inquiry is a valuable tool for research. The intent of this paper is to stress the importance of narrative and story, and to share the experience of opening the windows of memory to look into the past and uncover fascinating and valuable histories.
    [Show full text]
  • From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and Post-Colonial Singapore Reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus
    From Orphanage to Entertainment Venue: Colonial and post-colonial Singapore reflected in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus by Sandra Hudd, B.A., B. Soc. Admin. School of Humanities Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the qualification of Doctor of Philosophy University of Tasmania, September 2015 ii Declaration of Originality This thesis contains no material which has been accepted for a degree or diploma by the Universityor any other institution, except by way of backgroundi nformationand duly acknowledged in the thesis, andto the best ofmy knowledgea nd beliefno material previously published or written by another person except where due acknowledgement is made in the text oft he thesis, nor does the thesis contain any material that infringes copyright. �s &>-pt· � r � 111 Authority of Access This thesis is not to be made available for loan or copying fortwo years followingthe date this statement was signed. Following that time the thesis may be made available forloan and limited copying and communication in accordance with the Copyright Act 1968. :3 £.12_pt- l� �-- IV Abstract By tracing the transformation of the site of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, this thesis connects key issues and developments in the history of colonial and postcolonial Singapore. The convent, established in 1854 in central Singapore, is now the ‗premier lifestyle destination‘, CHIJMES. I show that the Sisters were early providers of social services and girls‘ education, with an orphanage, women‘s refuge and schools for girls. They survived the turbulent years of the Japanese Occupation of Singapore and adapted to the priorities of the new government after independence, expanding to become the largest cloistered convent in Southeast Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • A*Star Talent Search and Singapore Science & Engineering Fair 2020 Contents
    A*STAR TALENT SEARCH AND SINGAPORE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR 2020 CONTENTS 03 Singapore Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) 05 Foreword by Mdm Lee Lin Yee Chairperson, Singapore Science & Engineering Fair 2020 Working Committee 07 Singapore Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) 2020 Winners 33 A*STAR Talent Search (ATS) 35 Foreword by Prof Ho Teck Hua Chairperson, A*STAR Talent Search 2020 Awards Committee 37 A*STAR Talent Search (ATS) 2020 Finalists 45 Acknowledgements 47 A*STAR Talent Search and Singapore Science & Engineering Fair 2020 Participants SINGAPORE SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR BACKGROUND SSEF 2020 The Singapore Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) is a national 592 projects were registered online for the SSEF this year. Of these, competition organised by the Ministry of Education (MOE), 320 were shortlisted for judging in March 2020. The total number of the Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR) and awards for the Main Category was 117, comprising 27 Gold, 22 Silver, Science Centre Singapore. The SSEF is affiliated to the highly 33 Bronze and 35 Merit awards. Additionally, 47 projects were also prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering awarded Special Awards sponsored by six different organisations Fair (Regeneron ISEF), which is regarded as the Olympics of (Institution of Chemical Engineers Singapore, Singapore University science competitions. of Technology and Design, Singapore Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology, Yale-NUS College, The Electrochemical Society, and SSEF is open to all secondary and pre-university students Singapore Association for the Advancement of Science). between 15 and 20 years of age. Participants submit research projects on science and engineering. In the Junior Scientists Category (for students under 15 years of age), 49 projects were shortlisted at the SSEF this year.
    [Show full text]
  • 62Nd SAA Cross Country Championships 2013 - Boys U15
    62nd SAA Cross Country Championships 2013 - Boys U15 Position Number Bib Min Sec Name Team School/ Club Points 1 36 18 51 Louis Shia Wei Jie Individual North Vista Secondary School 1 2 3 19 04 Issac Tan ACS Team 1 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 2 3 56 19 12 Aaron Shane Tan Individual Singapore Sports School 3 4 57 19 31 Ierhan Muhd Raushan Individual Singapore Sports School 4 5 16 19 42 Shail Modi Individual Fabian William Coaching Concepts 5 6 8 19 43 Isaiah Boh Yu-Teng CHS Team 1 Catholic High School 6 7 39 19 45 Aaron Chan RI 'A' Raffles Institution 7 8 10 20 10 Ezra Goh Si Qi CHS Team 2 Catholic High School 8 9 42 20 27 Tan Ashton RI 'A' Raffles Institution 9 10 43 20 36 Cheong Wei Soon RI 'B' Raffles Institution 10 11 7 20 51 Dylan Tay CHS Team 1 Catholic High School 11 12 41 20 54 Koh Andy RI 'A' Raffles Institution 12 13 62 20 56 Keith Tan VS Team A Victoria School 13 14 32 21 00 Marcus Ong Nan Hua High C Men Team 1 Nan Hua High School 14 15 9 21 08 Vincent Chua Yao Sen CHS Team 1 Catholic High School 15 16 61 21 10 Jared Ng Yu Jie VS Team A Victoria School 16 17 4 21 11 Neil Kok ACS Team 1 Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 17 18 63 21 19 Rohin Singh VS Team A Victoria School 18 19 60 21 22 Gabriel Neo VS Team A Victoria School 19 20 64 21 24 Kum Kai Weng VS Team B Victoria School 20 21 44 21 38 Dryton Teo RI 'B' Raffles Institution 21 22 25 21 46 Russell james Foo MSHS Team 1 Maris Stella High School 22 23 40 21 52 Chadalavada Abhijit RI 'A' Raffles Institution 23 24 2 22 00 Habib Nur S/O Basheer ACS Team 1 Anglo-Chinese
    [Show full text]
  • Formula-Based Public School Funding System in Victoria: an Empirical Analysis of Equity
    Formula-Based Public School Funding System in Victoria: An Empirical Analysis of Equity This manuscript has been peer-reviewed, accepted, and endorsed by the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a significant contribution to the scholarship and practice of school administration and K-12 education. Bandara Bandaranayake Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria, Australia This article explores the formula-based school funding system in the state of Victoria, Australia, where state funds are directly allocated to schools based on a range of equity measures. The impact of Victoria’s funding system for education in terms of alleviating inequality and disadvantage is contentious, to say the least. It is difficult to adopt the belief that equity funding can alter the unequal levels of capacity that pupils bring into the classroom as a result of their varied socio-economic backgrounds. This study highlights a number of contextual factors that challenge the equity considerations of the Victorian school funding system. Among these factors include: the ability of individual schools to raise their own funds; allocation of a significant proportion of formula funding for staff salaries without directly addressing educational disadvantages; and the unnecessary complexity of formulas and limited community access to funding information. Nevertheless, the formula-based school funding system in Victoria presents a model in which funding is tied directly to the needs of both students and schools; a uniform criteria to apply impartially to each school; an increased level of accessible information on how the funds have been deployed; a reduced level of complexity presented compared to overlapping funding models from state, district and local authorities in other jurisdictions; and an opportunity for meaningful analysis generated on the school level to explore the impact of funding and incorporate improvements in a single funding system.
    [Show full text]
  • Higher Education in Regional and Rural Victoria: Distribution, Provision and Access
    Melbourne Graduate School of Education HIGHER EDUCATION IN REGIONAL AND RURAL VICTORIA: DISTRIBUTION, PROVISION AND ACCESS Jenny Chesters, Hernan Cuervo and Katherine Romei AUTHORS Dr Jenny Chesters A/ Prof. Hernan Cuervo Ms Katherine Romei The University of Melbourne ISBN: 978 0 7340 5590 3 Date: May 2020 Youth Research Centre Melbourne Graduate School of Education The University of Melbourne, Vic 3010 To cite this report: Chesters, J., Cuervo, H. and Romei, K. 2020 Higher Education in Regional and Rural Victoria: Distribution, Provision and Access. Youth Research Centre, University of Melbourne, Melbourne. All rights reserved. No part of this report may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Youth Research Centre The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Youth Research Centre, the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, or the University of Melbourne. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This report was funded an MSGE 2019 Development Award granted to Dr Jenny Chesters. Photos: Jenny Chesters. 2 Youth Research Centre, Melbourne Graduate School of Education CONTENTS 1. Introduction 4 2. Literature review 6 3. Higher education in the regions 8 4. Availability of courses in regional Victoria 15 5. Conclusion 16 6. References 17 7. Appendices 19 Access to university 3 1. INTRODUCTION Research indicates that students living in regional, rural and Equality of opportunity is dependent upon the availability, remote areas may be disadvantaged on at least two levels: family accessibility and affordability of study options in one’s local socioeconomic status (SES) and geographic location.
    [Show full text]
  • Fellow Victorians Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening, Since
    Fellow Victorians Ladies and Gentlemen, Good Evening, Since we are among friends, I hope that you will forgive me if I do not begin by recognising all the persons who should be recognised. It is many years since I last attended an Old Victorian’s dinner. So it is good to come again and see how many of my generation are here. A gathering of alumni from a secondary school is rather unusual. If you get to my age, in the seventies, you ask yourself what is so special about the very few years, not exceeding 5 years of your life that you spend in a secondary school or junior college. What kind of person you are today have been more shaped and influenced by your years after secondary school, either in further studies or in your livelihood or in your responsibility as spouse or parent or grandparent. What then is so significant about the few years that we spend in secondary school or in junior college that many of us have this desire to get back together with our friends from youth? I myself was in Victoria School from 1951 to early 1956. When I was doing my O levels in 1954 a group of 12 of us formed a study group. We are all in different professions and two of us have passed away in the last two years. Yet every year we still meet at least once a year with our spouses over dinner. That may be why I have not attended the OVA gatherings as often as I should.
    [Show full text]