Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

One of the most lasting and profound experiences of the Outward Bound camp in Year Ten is the solo activity. Students are sent out to be on their own for several hours just to ‘be with themselves’. It is a time to reflect and evaluate, and this is something I believe is very important. When we are prepared to reflect openly and honestly with ourselves we have the chance to grow. When we look at ourselves objectively, and acknowledge what we do well as well as what we don’t do so well, we can make changes.

The beauty of school, is that each year can be a new beginning. I always encourage students to reflect on their progress over the Summer, to do that reflection. Look at the strengths you have, and celebrate the things you do well. Aim to build on them and capitalise on them. Equally, though, look honestly at your weaknesses. This actually applies to we teachers as well as to students – each year we review ourselves and set ourselves goals and objectives. It’s a good thing to do.

People can change themselves. If you don’t like some aspect of your character do something about it. Behavioural responses are learned; often students say to me ‘That’s just how I am’. I counter that with, ‘No, that’s just how you have got used to being.’ Just because we have always reacted to a situation in a certain way doesn’t mean we have to react that way in the future. I wonder how many times, like me, you have had exactly the same conversation with someone? In such situations I encourage students to break the patterns, try something different. Respond in a different way to circumvent the inevitable and predictable outcomes. You can’t wait for the other person to change or expect they are going to. You can’t change other people, but you can change yourself. We all have the means to do that, and it is very empowering.

I often wonder how often our students are alone and quiet with themselves; how much time they spend in reflection. It’s something I strongly recommend!

Mr Mark Bonnin | Head of Senior School 

Year Ten Hospitality 

A highlight for the Year Ten Hospitality students was a Spice Masterclass with chef Silas Masih during a visit to Pepper and Salt restaurant in Denmark this week. He used a huge paella pan and a converted timpani drum burner to cook a spicy curry. He involved several students who added and stirred ingredients. Silas shared a heartfelt story of his life journey on becoming a chef, explained the benefits of working in the dynamic hospitality industry, and described his wisdom and passion for food, and gave the students a tour of his working kitchen. Against the magnificent backdrop of karri trees on a perfect, sunny, Spring day, we were treated to a delicious lamb curry for lunch. Adelaide Boetel presented Silas with a plate signed by all students to thank him for visiting our class last term to demonstrate various ways to present and plate up food.

Mrs Teresa McAllister | Teacher