From the Head of Campus
Dear Preshil Community
It is with a sense of exhilaration and great courage that I step into the role of Head of Blackhall Kalimna this term. I am humbled and grateful for your expressions of support and I am determined to ensure that the trust is well-placed. I would also like to extend an inclusive Preshil welcome to new students and families who have begun the next stage of their journey with us this term. I trust that you will discover how remarkable this place is as you bring the best of yourselves to us. Additionally, Greg and Emma have been hard at work over the break beautifying the property; this duo has been so effective at ensuring our grounds and classrooms are lovely places in which to learn.
One of the exciting initiatives to kickstart this new season is our Wellbeing Review. Amir Tatai, our Wellbeing Coordinator, Natalie Jensen and I are working together to undergo a comprehensive appraisal of our school climate, culture and strategies to develop an understanding of how we inspire and support student flourishing. This review will be based on cutting edge, research-based theories of school wellbeing and will reach into every dimension of the School. If this piques your interest, stay tuned for opportunities to contribute your perceptions as we move through the process.
The vibrancy of our community is apparent in just how many things we have on the go at a given time. Last Sunday, Preshil's 2019 Philosophy Conference took place at the State Library of Victoria where entertaining and stimulating speakers held court on a range of nuanced issues based on the theme of Future Thinking. We were enthralled with ethical investigations into big data, social media, transhumanism as overcoming disability, moral machines and person-less battlefields.
Having just come from a meeting with the organisers of our School Production - We Will Rock You! - I am constantly astounded at the capacity of our students and the opportunities they are provided to run meaningful community projects. I hope you’ll join me in celebrating their achievements by booking a ticket for one of the available performances from 7 to 10 August.
The MYP Information Night on Thursday 1 August will be a great evening, demonstrating the difference a curriculum and learning culture based on courage, risk-taking and student agency can make to a young person’s life. To complement this, our DP Expo on Monday 12 August articulates the climactic endeavours of Preshil students’ narrative. We are so proud to be able to offer such a wide range of subjects and flexible pathways for a boutique school. To assist in selecting their Diploma subjects, Year 10 students will be able to discuss each subject offered with the leading teachers, as they tailor their experience to their strengths and aspirations.
Lastly, but certainly not comprehensively, I am told great stories about our Spring Dinners providing the climax of Term 3 festivities.
I look forward to the many opportunities we will have to connect over the next term. Please feel welcome to introduce yourself if you see me around the School grounds or at any of these wonderful events.
Warmly
Dan
Daniel Symons
Head of Campus (Secondary School)
daniel.symons@preshil.vic.edu.au