Boarding 

Our theme this year has been to promote the motto of Work Hard Be Kind for both staff and students. We have been witnessing so many positive actions in our community reflecting this motto and really taking those positive steps in being kind to each other. One example recently has been Georgina England (Yr 9) who has been making small bears for girls in the Mac House. George has been making these bears, with small positive notes, to lift the spirits of the girls and let them know that they are loved. A wonderful gesture and example of kindness in the House, well done George.

The Mac House has really been a hallmark of kindness this week. Last weekend the girls celebrated Rachel Wang’s 18th birthday. Rachel is missing her family in China and has been unable to return home for 6 months, however, her ‘second family’ was able to help celebrate. Our local parent liaison person, Joanna, was able to host a birthday party for Rachel whilst Millie Austin (Yr 12), and many others, celebrated with a cake and afternoon tea in the Mac House. Wonderful again, to see such kindness amongst our girls. Well done.

Turning vulnerability into a positive

Recently a parent contacted me with a wonderful resource regarding vulnerability and stepping out of your comfort zone. Being vulnerable is something that is very relevant in today’s world, and, sitting comfortably with this vulnerability is a challenge for most of us. Our boarders are no exception and have to step out of this comfort zone regularly. I would encourage our community to watch a brief TED talk on this topic and consider how we can promote our boarders to be comfortable in taking courageous steps in doing something different, being positive about their vulnerability, and growing from this experience. It goes without saying that when we stay in a comfortable zone for far too long, we find it difficult to grow.

In reflection from a parent, the comment was made: “for both women and men, young and old, being able to live a whole balanced life requires coping with all our emotions, the easy and the difficult. Everyone is vulnerable in some way. For a long time, this has been seen as a negative, but it is an emotion with potential. A positive attitude to vulnerability can open our lives up in unexpected ways. And both young women and men need that to step outside the confines of societal norms to be the best of the next generation. 

Essentially we cherish our children, may they grow and flourish.

Boarding parent.

Ref: Brene’ Brown Ted Talk -https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en 

Andrew Monk

Director of Boarding