Leadership interview with Ryan Seeley, Metropolitan Preparatory Academy

Our central values are compassion and communication. The teachers are really compassionate people, and we really like to empathise with what teenagers are going through and what their families are going through. We love to talk to the kids. We spend an enormous amount of time, especially our Principal, Wayne, sitting down and discussing various things. It's not just about academic talks but about their life, their future aspirations, or just casual conversations about their weekend or their favourite subjects.

We are a very academic school with a strong focus on the sciences, including maths, STEM, and computer science. We also take the arts seriously, integrating it well with our science subjects. Our teachers are passionate and skilled, always striving to improve and explore new aspects of their subjects. The teaching staff is experienced, with some having been with us for a very long time. 

At our school, we emphasise teaching students, not just courses.

I think in Preparatory Academies, we want to prepare you for the future, which doesn’t necessarily mean we're preparing you to become a doctor or a lawyer. A lot of private schools are getting better at understanding what the student needs and wants. We foster a lot of debates at our school and encourage the healthy exchange of opinions. Wayne likes to hire people who are different from him, which has proven to be beneficial over time.

One common aspect that many families appreciate is our reputation for genuinely caring for each student. Some students may have learning issues like dyslexia or attention deficit, and we provide the necessary support, ensuring they can join clubs that suit their interests or receive help in areas where they are lagging. Families feel safe sending their kids to our school because we pay close attention to every student, creating a positive and inclusive culture.

We don't have a lot of student conflicts, primarily due to our small school enrollment which means there are fewer issues to deal with. When a student joins Metro, we have a code of conduct that they are required to read and sign. We maintain a safe and secure environment, addressing any issues promptly with the necessary investigations to understand the situation better. The atmosphere is professional, and teachers enjoy working here, which significantly reduces the occurrence of conflicts.

I wouldn't say the school is solely focused on academics and facilitating students' entry into university. This happens naturally because of our focus on individual students. By truly understanding and listening to the students, we motivate them to work harder and achieve their goals. We assist them with the application process for universities, preparing them well for the comprehensive procedures involved in university admissions. Due to our smaller size, we can offer a lot of interpersonal connections and attention to the students, helping them navigate changes and make informed decisions.

I like the loyalty that we have at our school. I've been there for 20 years and I've worked with a lot of the same people. Of course, we have new teachers as well, but I like that it feels like a second home to me. So, I feel very comfortable in my role there since I started in 2001.

When someone starts working at Metro, they often remark on the friendliness and the pleasant work environment. In my position, I occasionally deal with issues, but they are significantly fewer compared to what some of my friends experience in other schools. This stability creates a positive work environment, which is crucial in maintaining the upbeat spirit and progressiveness of our school. Teachers get along well, contributing to a conducive and collaborative work environment.

I guess about 98% of students stay with us until they graduate in Grade 12. Even if students join us in the later grades, they quickly adapt and become a part of the inclusive and fun environment we offer. They are encouraged to participate in various activities, forming bonds and enjoying a full experience. Students who join later also find themselves immersed and feeling like a true Metro prep kid.

A lot of our students tell us that Metro becomes their second home. The school environment is friendly and caring, creating a homely atmosphere where students can leave their home troubles at the door. The school's physical surroundings also contribute to this, being warm and inviting. The faculty maintains a harmonious relationship, ensuring that students do not witness conflicts that can sometimes occur in smaller settings.

The type of student who might not enjoy Metro would be someone looking for a large school with many students, big hallways, and rooms, or a more traditional school model with a long history and uniform requirements. Metro is a small, close-knit school with personalised classrooms and curriculum. We aim to remain modern and progressive, instead of holding onto older traditions, though we do have our traditions.

Our students enjoy the co-educational setting, because it mirrors the real world where they will work with various kinds of people. If a student is seeking a more traditional old school environment, they might not find Metro to their liking as we do not adhere to older customs like uniforms. At Metro, students who are seeking something different find what they are looking for.