Assistant Principals

As we approach the end of this first term, we take a moment to reflect on the core values that guide us: Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness. These values shape the way we approach our learning, our relationships, and our growth, from ELC all the way to Grade 12. They remind us that true success comes not from achievement alone, but from the way we treat others, the way we grow with humility, and the way we aim higher each day.

 As the great Greek philosopher Socrates once said, 'I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.' Let us continue to foster an environment where humility and kindness lead to mutual respect and a shared aspiration for growth, both academically and personally, through Aim High, Achieve More.

Shelley Parkes

Assistant Principal - Head of Junior School

Learning: The Missing Piece

As we continue our academic journey this year, it's worth reflecting not just on what students learn, but how they learn. The ability to learn effectively is not a given—it’s a skill, and like all skills, it can be taught, practiced, and refined.

Understanding how learning works—from managing attention and memory, to making connections across subjects—empowers students to take control of their progress. It’s about more than study habits; it’s about metacognition: thinking about one's thinking. When students are taught how to plan, monitor, and evaluate their learning, they become more independent, confident, and capable.

Teachers play a crucial role in this process by modelling strategies, encouraging reflection, and helping students make sense of feedback. Parents, too, can support this by asking reflective questions at home: What worked well in that task? What might you try differently next time?

Academic excellence isn’t just about what students know—it’s about how they grow.  

By building the habits and strategies that support deep, lasting learning, we equip our students not only for success in school, but for life beyond it. Let’s commit to nurturing learners who think critically, reflect thoughtfully, and adapt confidently—because when we learn how to learn, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.

Aim High, Achieve More.

Lance Ryan

Assistant Principal – Academic