Published on: 11 March 2021

  • PSA Swimming Inters
  • Respecting females
  • Principal’s meet to discuss collaboration
  • International Women’s Day
  • Regional visits

Last Friday we hosted the Senior School House Swimming Carnival in our Aquatic Precinct, congratulations to all the boys who participated, especially to Wolsey House swimmers who claimed victory on the day.

Sunday I had a great start to the day, as more than 50 enthusiastic peloton riders left the campus and rode around the Mt Henry and Canning Bridges before enjoying a light breakfast together. This is the fourth year that we have held the Principal’s Bike Ride and I would like to thank all those who rode and also our chefs who made the bacon and egg rolls possible.

Monday morning I met with a number of our Year 12 parents in the Chapel and we shared our thoughts and plans to support the class of 2021 with events throughout their final year. We agreed that for many of our young men they feel like it’s ‘the last’ … swimming carnival, time they will be together as a Chess or Football team, school ball, Head of the River, and so on. It is very important that we partner in conveying to the students that they are at school for a ‘reason’ not a ‘season’ and that yes, they can enjoy a celebration, however as it is in life after school, there will be an endless number of invitations to attend events and gatherings and it is important that they find a balance this year. As a group we continued to discuss at length alcohol at events and how we are educating our boys regarding respect for females. Please follow this link to a document that outlines the School’s approach to both. This is not a definitive list of what we do but an overview to provide insight into a number of aspects of school life in support of the conversations we are currently having regarding all aspects of interaction with females.

This week I invited the principals of St Hilda’s, PLC, MLC, Iona and Scotch College to Christ Church. The goal was to discuss how we can work together to assist our young people through adolescence. The theme of this first meeting was what can we collectively do to educate young people about consent and respect and agree a single message so that there is clarity and consistency about behaviours and expectations.

Tonight a group of swimmers and staff head to HBF Stadium for the PSA Swimming Inters. This competition is usually tightly contested (and a win this year would make it five in a row for Christ Church). A big thank you to the staff directly involved, the parents for supporting the boys and the swim team, who will no doubt be giving it their all this evening. As spectator attendance is not possible this year, parents can view the live streaming via this link.

Last night was opening night for The Midnite Youth Theatre Company production of Away. Congratulations to Artistic Director Greg Jones and his talented team for another wonderful production. The show will continue until Saturday, if you would like to attend you can purchase your tickets through TryBooking.

In recognition of International Women’s Day on Monday morning, the boys have been engaging in a number of activities to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and highlight the progress made towards gender equality. They have watched a series of videos on gender equality designed to start conversations and raise awareness of the topic and participated in activities that highlight female role models and recognise the contributions they have made to their own lives and the wider world. To the women in our school community – thank you for all that you bring to every aspect of our lives.

Next week I will be travelling around the state’s south west meeting families in their communities. I am really looking forward to these visits and invite you to come and join me. Events will be held in:

  • Esperance
  • Albany
  • Kojonup
  • Margaret River
  • Bunbury

Every year the School participates in a ‘Ride to School Week’, encouraging boys to ‘walk a little way’ or ride bikes if possible. This year National Ride2School Day falls on Friday 19 March and our Student Environmental and Health and Wellbeing Committees are hoping to have a record number of Preparatory and Senior School boys riding to school. Lets hope its great weather on the day!

Alan Jones
Principal