Published on: 20 September 2023

  • School holiday activities
  • Student leadership
  • Presentation standards

As we prepare to head into the holidays, I am reminded of the simple significance of the messages displayed in all our classrooms – ‘Ready to learn’, alongside our School values. It is the primary responsibility of all students to recharge and reflect during the holidays to enable them to return with renewed energy and focus for Term 4. Many students will be engaged in school activities during the holidays, some around preparations for Term 4 sporting competitions, some in Cadet activities, and others in fine-tuning their academic understanding through targeted revision programs. I commend them for their commitment to these varied activities and encourage them to find the balance and have some downtime with family and friends.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen the commencement of the student leadership transition period. The Year 11 nominated School and House Prefects commenced prefect duties under the guidance of the Student Services Co-ordinator. This morning, the Year 11 students who will make up the 2024 student leadership team were announced to the cohort after assembly. The composition of the final School and House Prefect teams will be announced at the final Year 12 Prizegiving Assembly on Thursday 19 October.

This period of selection and announcement brings with it a heightened emotion amongst Year 11 students, and we are aware that for some the election to a formal prefect position is contrasted by the disappointment of missing out on selection. Unfortunately, this contrast mirrors many times in life when we need to gather ourselves and move forward and our resilience is tested. I have included a link here, provided through The Wynne Centre for Health and Wellbeing that looks at working with our children to build resilience.

Leading into next term, I urge parents to carefully scrutinise their son’s appearance and presentation of school uniform before the mad rush takes place as the new term begins. Term 1 summer uniforms may be a bit small, and we want all uniforms to be well-fitted and respectful of the standards of the school. Your support in ensuring your son’s appearance meets the Student Presentation Rules and Hair Guidelines is greatly appreciated. Similarly, the school day begins at 8.25am and lateness simply starts the day off on the back foot, thus I seek parents’ co-operation to ensure boys arrive on time and are in tutorial by 8.30am.

In conclusion, I thank the school community for all they have done this term to support and facilitate a huge range of exciting and diverse school activities. I would also like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday in the weeks ahead and we look forward to welcoming Mr Mark Morrissy back from long service leave for the start of Term 4.

Upcoming Senior School Events

  • End of Term 3 – Friday 22 September at 12.45pm
  • Start of Term 4 – Tuesday 11 October at 8.25am
  • Year 12 Celebration Day – Tuesday 17 October at 8.30am to 12.00pm
  • Year 12 Study Day – Wednesday 18 October
  • Year 12 Prize-giving and Award Assembly – Thursday 19 October at 8.30am to 9.30am
  • Year 12 Valedictory Service and Dinner – Thursday 19 October at 6.15pm to 10.00pm

 

Jamie Foster
Acting Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School (Term 3)