From the Head

Walking the line between relative COVID-freedom in regional Victoria and the constant threat of COVID-lockdown can be mentally exhausting. But schools are unique micro-communities where life goes on and, in the period since we emerged out of lockdown, an impressive number of student events and achievements have occurred for which we are thankful. 

This week, students from Years 7-11 competed (online) in the final rounds of the Debaters Association of Victoria competition with some fine results. I am always interested in the topics that are dissected at these events because they are usually a sign of the times. The way that students choose to address topics offers excellent insight into their world and their current thinking. 

One of the topics that caught my interest was “that we regret the rise of cancel culture”. Our Year 10 and 11 team won their prepared debate on this topic, and Remus Brasier (10 Millward) was awarded best speaker.

We live in a time when transgressions are easily demonized, and someone who is found guilty in the court of public opinion often has no appeal.

Right now, while we all try to cope with the impact of a worldwide pandemic, what is most needed is to reconcile differences with respectful conversations. COVID-19 has brought longstanding inequalities into sharp focus, including racial and class differences, which are driving poor health and educational outcomes. 

The enemy is the virus, not one another. Not one state. Not one politician. Let us all commit, just like our students did in their debates this week, to a nuanced consideration of the issues we face and resist the temptation to be a part of cancel culture. 

Dr Clayton Massey

HEAD