Working in partnership with each other to raise our sons requires tackling uncomfortable and challenging issues from time to time. As much as you, I or the wider staff team provide our students important moments of reflection, often it is the presence of a third voice that resonates most powerfully with our young men.
This week, Mr Daniel Principe fulfilled that role. Tackling the key issues of masculinity in today’s society, Mr Principe provided a safe and supportive environment for our Year 9 students to reflect critically on their personal habits and influences. He encouraged them to consider how they might express themselves with confidence, authenticity and integrity. His presentation also quietly reinforced the strength of our ‘strong and lovely’ framework. It is always affirming to hear external voices echo the values that guide our daily interactions and aspirations.
I regularly remind our students that when they enter the grounds of the School each day they should sense a weight of expectation. There is an expectation that something of worth should be achieved each day and that they should conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the School values. It is our hope that all students will graduate and take this expectation with them into wider society.
As much as I hold a level of confidence that our students know how to conduct themselves when on campus, can I be confident that similar standards will be embraced when outside the School gates? This is the litmus test.
I raise this matter as we approach the Christmas break and our students, particularly our older students will again be influenced by a range of risk factors. I encourage all parents to find the time for conversations about these risk factors, particularly alcohol and the pressure to conform. In being a good friend, all students should be prioritising the safety of their friends, both boys and girls, at all times. Our School values remain an omnipresent guide to all students both inside and outside these walls and fields.
Our weekly Senior School musters and Junior School assemblies showcase a wide array of achievements and recognition, and last week was no exception. It is inspiring to see such a diverse range of students giving their all – whether in the arts, academics, service, or sport.
At the heart of these achievements is something we all respect: endeavour. It is this commitment to striving for personal bests that unites and inspires us.
Some recent highlights include:
- Outstanding results from our Science students in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), Junior and Senior Olympiads and Oliphant competitions in the Junior School and Senior School.
- The Open A Badminton Squad winning the Middle State Knockout Final for the fifth consecutive year, with five students representing the state at Nationals.
- Congratulations to our Year 4 students on their outstanding end of year concert. A key focus of our Band Program is to nurture a lifelong love and enjoyment of music in our students and this concert was a wonderful celebration of our young musicians’ learning.
- Year 9 Pottery students winning the Ceramic Artisans Prize at the 2024 Solar and Sun Exhibition.
- 29 students earning Most Improved Effort awards.
Celebrating exceptional effort alongside exceptional achievement is a powerful way to normalise and encourage the pursuit of excellence in all areas of life.
As we approach the end of the term, I encourage students to celebrate their achievements while also managing their responsibilities effectively. Should your son be struggling with commitments late in the term please encourage him to reach out to his Teacher, Mentor or Head of House.
Wishing you and your family an enjoyable weekend.
Tim Browning
Headmaster
