From the Principal

Thought for the week

We cannot force someone to hear a message they are not ready to receive, but we must never underestimate the power of sowing a seed.

Some years ago, I underwent a training program in 'suggestopedia'. It was pointed out that what we believe about ourselves is a result of a suggestion that has been made by someone or perhaps the media. When someone makes a comment about us such as 'you are tone deaf' or 'you can’t sing in tune', that is a suggestion. Young minds are very malleable and susceptible to suggestions about who they are and if they are informed by a so-called expert that they are something, they may well accept it as the truth about themselves. It is important to remember that the seeds we sow in the young minds, or the suggestions we make about them, may have life-long effects on them. It can be hard for an adult to throw off a limiting belief that may have been suggested by a friend a family member or even a teacher when they were young. Suggestions like 'you are such a good helper' or 'your smile lights up the room and makes everyone feel good' will develop attitudes of kindness in our children. Saying things like 'I can always rely on you to do the right thing' or 'you are wise beyond your years' makes our children do the right thing and makes them think about making wise decisions. Telling our children and one another how kind they are, how loving and how generous they are, will sow the seeds of kindness and generosity. This is how we build a better world.

It is with great pleasure that I can announce to you the appointment of our new Director of Music and Performing Arts, Mr Jan Blazejczak. Jan’s original training took place in Belgium and he has many accolades for his performance and conducting. Jan comes highly recommended and was the Director of Music at Genazzano FCJ for 12 years. His interactions with staff and students have already proved to be warm and kind, and his expertise is unquestionable. We are excited to welcome him to Huntingtower and know that the whole community will open their hearts to him.

Congratulations to the students on winning the Callaway Cup at the HOSA Sports Day last Sunday. After eight matches had been completed, the past students had won four and the current students had won four. It all came down to the soccer match and I am so pleased to tell you that our school Soccer Team beat the Old Students by two goals. Well done to all the competitors and special thanks to Mel Beal for organising all the past students and to Carly Buhagiar, Nic Green and the other sports coaches for preparing their teams. Thanks to the students manning the Coffee Cart and to the other staff members and parents who came along to be a part of the great afternoon.

The Junior School production of Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat was a colourful, beautiful show. It was wonderful to see every student involved in the show in some way. Some were cows, some were ears of corn and others were Elvis-like Pharaohs and even the sons of Jacob (Israel). Congratulations to every student for their enthusiastic contribution and many thanks to Carly Major Gough, Evan Pugh, the Junior School Staff, Vivienne Perry, the orchestra, the set builders, the back-stage crew and all others involved. What an amazing team effort it was. Thank you all so much!

Our School Cross Country Team had a very successful day at the EISM Cross Country Carnival held at Ruffey Lake Park last week. Our Girls Team won their cup and the Boys Team were very close to winning theirs. Overall the Huntingtower Cross Country Team was victorious in bringing home the EISM Trophy as the winning school in the Central Division.

Congratulations to all the runners for a great team effort, to Carly Buhagiar for her organisation, enthusiasm and encouragement and to all the other coaches as well. Thanks also to Mr Green for his leadership of the Sports Department this year.

Have a wonderful holiday.

Sholto Bowen OAM

Principal