From the Acting Headmaster

Today is an important day for our school, as it marks the first day of the last week for our Class of 2022. It is always a strange week in the life of a school, particularly a school like ours where we have students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. It seems odd because it marks the culmination of formal schooling. Yes, there is still the exam period, but the daily routines formed over 13 years will cease to be the norm. 

I can imagine this is a great relief for some, and the thought of not having a set wake-up time and regular commute can look appealing. For others, there is comfort in routine, and the idea of a little more freedom brings uncertainty. 

Nevertheless, the HSC exams will be finished in just over two months. At that time, our young people step toward the next chapter in their lives.

But this we know - for most of us who work in schools, it is almost impossible not to become attached to the young people in our school. In reality, every time a Year 12 group leaves, there is a time for reflection. Teachers and students spend a lot of time together in various scenarios. We unpack historical events, calculate precision cuts to an expensive piece of timber, and consider the artistic value of a complex piece of art. We debate world events and model to our young people how to navigate life when things are running off track or contrary to how we thought things would work out. We navigate broken friendships, celebrate wins and successes and hope that the world is kind to each of them. This week always reminds me of the privilege of partnering with parents in their children's lives. 

Over the next week, we will take the opportunity to farewell the Class of 2022 in the most appropriate way we can. We will celebrate their time at Blue Mountains Grammar School with the Valedictory Dinner at the Fairmont Resort. We will share breakfast with them on Friday morning and enjoy their farewell assembly on Friday as well. At each of these events, we will offer words of encouragement, guidance and hope as each of our students begins to imagine more immediately the trajectory of their own story. 

Perhaps the best advice comes from the Bible verse from Isaiah 40:30-31: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

We look forward to hearing the stories and adventures of the Class of 2022.

Mr Steven Coote 

Acting Headmaster