Deputy Principals

As we bid farewell to the 2024 school year, I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to all families for their unwavering support. It always feels like we reach this point in the blink of an eye, marvelling at how quickly the time has flown. As a community, we thrive together, championing our students—your children—as they achieve personal goals, navigate individual challenges, and adapt to life’s ever-changing journey.

One of the greatest privileges of my role is working alongside the tremendous educators who bring life to our Junior School. Every day, I am surrounded by champions—teachers who inspire, guide, and nurture our students with unwavering dedication and care. Their passion for teaching, commitment to excellence, and genuine belief in every child’s potential are the bedrock of our school’s success. It is through their hard work and heart that our values of Humility, Aspiration, Respect, and Kindness (HARK) truly shine.

Whether it was in the quiet courage of a student helping a friend, the determination to achieve a seemingly impossible goal, or the countless acts of kindness that made our community stronger, HARK has been alive in every corner of the school. As the saying goes: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less"— and what a joy it has been to see this in action across our Junior School.

For a little levity, I must mention the many memorable moments at the Prep Gate. Clad in my iconic pink vest, I’ve had the privilege of not only assisting with drop-off but also catching up on the latest schoolyard gossip. Whether it’s hearing about a budding soccer star's weekend triumph, exchanging knowing smiles with parents navigating busy mornings, or being gently reminded (you know who you are!) that I missed something in the Junior School newsletter, these interactions have been some of the highlights of my day. It’s these small, meaningful connections that make our community so special.

As we head into the holiday season, I wish all our families a safe, joyful, and prosperous break. May your time be filled with laughter, relaxation, and special moments shared with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025, refreshed and ready for another exciting year together.

Shelly Parkes

Deputy Principal - Professional Culture & Junior School

Annual House Competition

Throughout the year, the House competition was a vibrant and exciting display of talent, teamwork, and House spirit. The range of events from sports challenges (swimming, athletics, cross-country and games) to creative arts, debating, fundraising and e-games saw an increase in both participation and enthusiasm across all Houses. The Junior School students found ways to contribute to their class House points tallies each month. The sense of House connection grew stronger than ever, as students rallied together, fostering a sense of unity and pride and eagerly kept a track of the scoreboards in the caf.

The House Arts, with its theme of Behind the Glass Window, ran throughout Term 4.  We commend all students who participated noting these winners for special commendation in each of the key categories.

Adding together the number of competition participants from each House, and with points for the winners, Rose was victorious in both the Junior School and Middle School & Senior School competitions. 

The Junior School House competition drew to a close with the House Swimming.  There was a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement as students enjoyed warmer weather and a chance to swim off against their friends.  Perhaps not surprisingly, Fraser, named after legendary swimmer Dawn Fraser came home victorious, with Rose (2nd) and then Bradman (3rd). 

A student inspired initiative, led by Vasilios Barbagiannis (Year 10), has seen the launch of our first House e-games competition in the Middle and Senior Schools. With a few small steps taken this month, our keen and enthusiastic e-gamers are ready to build on this event in 2025.

Finally, our Perpetual House Cups were presented in the various Awards Assemblies, with Rose House leading the way across the school! 

Junior School                         Middle School & Senior School

1st        Rose                             Rose    

2nd       Fraser                          Bradman

3rd        Bradman                     Fraser

We are looking forward to building on House spirit with the inclusion of more events in 2025. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas and all the very best for the new year.

Peter Dickinson

Deputy Principal – Student Wellbeing & Operations