In Week 4, we were delighted to welcome Daniel Principe, an internationally recognised speaker who champions boys and challenges cultures worldwide, alongside Emma Tabacaru, whose work focuses on equipping young people to navigate adolescence with self-respect, resilience and a strong sense of worth.
On Wednesday 13 May, Daniel and Emma led our Year 11 Healthy Relationships Day, as we hosted students from Wilderness School, Walford Anglican School for Girls and St Peter’s Girls’ School. This collaborative and engaging day challenged our students to think deeply and critically about relationships and the values that underpin them.
Students were encouraged to be curious, reflective, and, at times, productively uncomfortable as they explored important questions such as: “How do you know someone respects you in a relationship?” Through thoughtful discussion and shared perspectives, they examined the importance of trust, care, and respect, and reflected on what it truly means to value another person.
Many students identified powerful takeaways from the day, recognising that “boys and girls are often seeking the same qualities in relationships,” and that “communication is key” to building strong, respectful connections.
On Thursday 14 May, our Year 9 students worked with Daniel, engaging in an energetic and thought-provoking session focused on identity, belonging and personal values. Students were challenged to set high expectations for themselves and one another, and to critically reflect on the stereotypes that can limit young men.
Daniel encouraged students to consider how they can positively influence their peers and how they can step away from restrictive ideas of masculinity found in social media, often described as the “man box.” He challenged our students to think about the challenges they face in a world of smart phones and social media, while offering advice on how students can reframe their feeds away from harmful content. Central to the session was the message that boys have a deep need to belong, and that strong, healthy communities are built when boys actively support, encourage, and lift one another up.
These sessions provided a valuable opportunity for our students to engage with important real-world topics in a supportive and dynamic environment, helping them to develop the skills, understanding, and confidence needed to build respectful relationships and navigate today’s world with integrity.
Ana Christensen
Deputy Head of Senior School – Students
