School Captain's Report

99.94: A Number That Unites Us All

Every year, the School Captains of Nossal High School craft a theme that reflects the unique attitudes and environment within our school. In past years, these themes have followed a tradition of rhyming words, encapsulating motivation, unity, and growth.

Nevertheless, the 2025 School Captains have decided to take a different approach, opting for a numerical theme - 99.94.

As expected of the academically gifted students at Nossal, the first thing that comes to mind when seeing this number is a near-perfect ATAR, just shy of the ultimate goal of 99.95 - a target many students at our school aspire to achieve. However, its significance extends far beyond academics. 99.94% is the percentage of DNA that is shared by all humans. Despite our unique identities, cultures, and perspectives, we humans possess a deep connection with one another, something that is coded within our very DNA. The mere 0.06% that differentiates us is minuscule compared to the vast commonalities we share.

By embracing 99.94 as our theme, we are reminded that collective potential and achievement outweigh competition and division. At Nossal, we celebrate individuality while recognising that our shared qualities are the foundation of our unity. Perhaps our school's greatest asset is our collaborative and supportive environment, which empowers each and every one of us to be the best person that we can be. It is our friendships, shared struggles, and collective ambitions that push us towards success.

As we embark on 2025, we also recognise the significance of this milestone—a quarter of the 21st century. Over the past 25 years, humanity has witnessed unprecedented technological advancements, societal shifts, and challenges that have tested our resilience. It is clear the rest of the century, though filled with hope and excitement, will have trials of its own. Now more than ever, global unity and cooperation, are paramount to ensuring a bright and safe future for our world.

History provides numerous examples of the power of unity. World Wars I and II, though marked by devastation, led to crucial advancements in medicine, technology, and peace, due to the combined efforts of all the nations of the world to benefit the common good. The establishment of institutions like the United Nations exemplifies how collaboration can foster progress and prevent past mistakes from being repeated.

This year, Nossal will embrace the spirit of rapport, resilience, and resolve. Let us take risks, embrace failures as opportunities for growth, and recognise the potential within ourselves and those around us.  As Henry Ford wisely said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently." 2025 will be the year that we go higher and further than ever before, as we find strength in the 99.94% that links us all. We will strive forward not as individuals, but as a united Nossal community.