Deputy Principal - Student Development and Wellbeing

At last week’s Assembly we explored the theme Finding Your Brave.  This was an opportunity to share story and encourage students to step out of their comfort zone to try new things.  They were blessed with Dr Tuite’s story of respect for Julia Gillard's leadership, both within and beyond politics, but they were particularly blessed to hear from one of our Year 9 students, Moly Lythall.  Molly delivered a strong message to the community about not listening to the negative thoughts or comments that can come your way.  Her powerful message of being proud and accepting of who you are was received with great applause.  Molly has now become a champion of many students, who have emailed her and congratulated her or shared their own stories.  Molly ‘found her brave’ and by doing so has been, and will continue to be, a role model for the community.

This week’s Parent Corner is being handed over to student representatives from each year level, who have been asked to suggest to parents how they can help them find their brave. There is nothing like hearing this from the young people that we are nurturing through life. Taking time to do so will provide us with a formidable opportunity to consider what is being suggested, and create conversation that can be both rewarding and valuable.

I am currently at Kenilworth with Year 9 students who have been finding their brave through the preparedness and ability to live outside their comfort zone for a few short days.  They have carried their packs on an extensive hike to the beautiful Booloumba Creek, enjoyed reflections around a camp fire under a full moon, and spent yesterday and last night with a partner or on their own with the joy of downtime. 

Many of us struggle with downtime when we are used to being on the merry-go-round.  It was no different for some students, who struggled with being blessed with "nothing to do" (despite having to set up their own camp, prepare their own food, and reflect on the experience.  Others were able to create magic moments that reached far beyond the normal school day.  Some built their own kitchens, created fairy lights with their torches, invented their own writing implements or ‘warrior’ weapons, or simply enjoyed the opportunity to be in a magnificent part of the world.  All in all, although there were some weary students returning to main camp this morning, they will hopefully remember what is possible and necessary if we are to remain mentally healthy in this fast-paced world and, that is, take time to stop!

Today the students are close to base camp enjoying a variety of activities that continue to develop their friendships, group cohesion, resilience, and problem solving capabilities. They have been blessed with a beautiful day and will be particularly fond of the  shower and ‘normal’ toilets that they will experience at the end of the day, in addition to being able to sleep in a bed.

I am certain the students will have plenty of stories to share with you, and you will enjoy reminding them how lucky they were to have this time.  Enjoy your weekend because I know for sure that there will be many Year 9 students having a good sleep in this Saturday (along with the staff who have had the pleasure of sharing this time with them).

Annette Butterworth