From the Principal 

On Monday this week I had the chance to see, across the course of just one day, the breadth of activity that enlivens the life of our school. I started in Melbourne to spend a short time with our ICCES Athletics team as they competed in the major interschool Athletics carnival for senior students. Then I headed back to Hamilton in time to see the end of the afternoon’s rehearsal for The Addams Family. As I walked into the MPAC foyer I passed the Myrniong Quartet deep in practice with Mr Singh. My family and I then had dinner in the Boarding House Refectory, speaking to our boarders and then seeing them pack up dinner and gather their books for the evening academic assistance session. 

What impressed me across the day, more than just the breadth of the offering, was the way in which College students engaged with me and with each other. At ICCES there was a cheer squad from another school who exaggeratedly cheered and screamed when one of their students came first, but then guffawed when a student from another school tripped and fell across the line. It should be a mantra for every student that you don’t make yourself feel better by making someone else feel worse. All I saw from College students was applause at good performance – regardless of which school the winner came from – and warm congratulations and encouragement when our athletes came back to the stand. This was well done. 

The sequence of the day was, however, also important: sport, music, drama, academics. That I left the Refectory with students about to start studying with Miss Reiher was a lovely metaphor for what we do here at College, and what our focus should be – students should have the opportunity to be well rounded, but focused on learning. That is the heart of the game and what we’re ultimately here for.                                                              

On Friday night, the President of The Hamilton and Alexandra College Foundation, Mrs Penny Adamson, hosted a wonderful event for Foundation and school community members. It was a special occasion to thank and recognise people that have supported College through significant contributions and work with the Foundation.

I was honoured to speak on the night and meet members of the College community who have made such a meaningful impact to the school.  I have included my speech from the night here.                                                                   

The 2022 Annual Report for The Hamilton and Alexandra College is now accessible on the website. 

Michael Horne

Principal