As a school for boys and young men, we have the capacity to counter wider societal norms. With this capacity comes a responsibility to be absolutely intentional in engaging in dialogue around one of the most challenging issues in Australian society – domestic violence. Violence against women and young girls is, in the main, men’s business, and while we may not have an understanding or experience of domestic violence, collectively, all men can be part of the preventative solution.
As part of our 2024 Rex J Lipman Fellows Program, we welcomed Dave Kramer, a Behavioural Scientist and Violence Prevention Advocate, to speak with our Senior School students last week. Since the tragic loss of his best friend, Hannah Clarke, and her children in 2020, Mr Kramer has dedicated his life to empowering others to create safe, equitable, and inclusive environments. Throughout his presentation Mr Kramer emphasised that in no way was he blaming students for the societal issue they have inherited, rather, he encouraged us to be part of the solution by learning how to discuss this uncomfortable and confronting topic.
In his sessions, Mr Kramer asked students to reflect on what it truly means to be a man, challenging stereotypes and considering the qualities that define manhood. When asked what men need to embody, individual students emphasised the importance of love, connection, kindness, and the courage to ask for help. Independently Mr Kramer supported our community’s focus on ‘the strong and the lovely’ throughout his presentation and highlighted the need to present a balance of strength and love in all interactions and communications.
I thank Mr Kramer for his visit. It is very difficult for us to comprehend his life experience, but to see him present such vulnerability to help us understand in some way his journey and ways in which we can influence wider society, was impactful. We can all start with our peer groups by standing up for each other, being present for each other, calling out stereotypes and calling out the often-repeated forms of disrespect.
I was immensely proud of how our students engaged with Mr Kramer and the depth and calibre of the questions they asked. From conversations I have had with many boys in the past week, it is evident they have thought deeply about his presentation. We need to keep these conversations going and “show up for each other” to play our role in tackling this societal issue.
In the coming week, we’re calling for boys to show up for each other in support of their peers’ Intercollegiate fixtures. Our mission challenges each of us to take an interest in others, to share their experiences, both their triumphs and struggles, and to take the time to appreciate the collective endeavour. In what will be the 153rd Winter Intercol, nine co-curricular activities will be contested across four days from next Wednesday and students should plan to attend a range of fixtures.
I remind all participants, both in and out of the arena, to represent our community with humility, integrity and respect, and I wish all participants every success. Regardless of who wins the fixture, let’s ensure our speeches are intelligent, gracious, respectful and generous. I draw the attention of our sports captains to our Customs and Practices tutorial on delivering a speech after a sporting fixture.
Over the past two weeks, we have celebrated the arts in all its forms, from the powerful performance of ‘Ballyturk’ by our Year 12 Drama students, to the colourful House displays in Battle of the Bands, and the outstanding Arts Day that immersed students in an array of artistic workshops. Our talented musicians once again excelled in the ABODA Music competition, and our jazz ensembles delivered outstanding performances at Gig @ the Gov. These activities provide a unique outlet for self-expression and reinforce the crucial role art plays in developing creativity and innovation. Thank you to the staff involved in providing our students with such wonderful opportunities for creative exploration.
Yesterday, our Junior School ovals, courts and fields were filled with colour during our annual Winter House Games. I commend our students for their outstanding sportsmanship and camaraderie which contributed to a fantastic day of sport.
I hope you have an enjoyable weekend and I look forward to joining you on the sidelines across our Intercol fixtures.
Tim Browning
Headmaster