From the Assistant Principal

Quotes that Inspire (Part Two)

Once you’ve read enough picture story books, you start to recognise a familiar formula in the way many of them end. Without boring you, one neat trick authors use is to return to the words or ideas they began with - a circular ending. Revisiting the opening scene creates a sense of completion. (If you, like me, studied The Outsiders in Year 8, this was likely a discussion your teacher had… or attempted to have… with your class. Stay golden, Ponyboy.)

So here we are, at my final newsletter article for the year, and where better to finish than where we started all those months ago.

I started with a quote:

“I am the Walrus. Goo-goo-g’joob.”

A reminder to work hard, to make a difference - but not to take ourselves too seriously.

So I’ll finish with one too.

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”

This year has often resembled the ocean. Some days the waters were calm, with endless blue skies above. Others were a little wavy - the kind of waves that are perfect for bodyboarding. Then there were the days when the ocean was fiery, and going into the water was a decision made with a deep sigh. Days when the waves piled up and staying afloat was the only goal.

But smooth seas don’t build skilled sailors.

Asking which of our school values is most important is an impossible task. But Resilience is the only one that gives both teachers and students permission to struggle - and to grow through it. Resilience can’t be built without setbacks. It’s the value that reminds us that learning isn’t meant to be smooth - for students or for teachers. It can’t be built without being rocked by the waves, keeping your chin up, occasionally swallowing a mouthful of saltwater - and climbing out wringing wet, but stronger. Wiser. More able.

So as we set sail towards the sunset of 2025, let’s not forget those stormy days.

Thank you all for another brilliant year of learning at Newport Lakes Primary School. I want to thank our staff for navigating every kind of weather this year with care, professionalism, and heart. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy summer holiday. And if you do make it down to the beach - enjoy the waves, even the choppy ones.

Mat Williamson

Assistant Principal (and still afloat)