From the Principal

Today marks the end of what has been an amazing Term. We’ve enjoyed swimming and athletics carnivals, residential programs and a wide range of extra-curricular activities. There have been early morning training sessions, theatre performances, music concerts, and interschool debating and public speaking competitions. I am both amazed and incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm with which our students embrace these many opportunities. At the most recent EISM Swimming Carnival, we celebrated not just participation but also excellence, breaking a total of five records (two individual and three relay events).

At a recent Principal’s Assembly, I shared with students the importance of courage, not just the kind we associate with heroic acts, but the everyday courage that reveals itself in small but significant ways. We reflected on a study by Nemeth & Chiles (1988), which showed how easily people conform to group pressure, even when they know something isn’t right. The uplifting finding was this: when just one person had the courage to speak up, even if they weren’t correct, others were more likely to follow their conscience in future situations. Witnessing bravery helps us grow our own.

It reminded me of the well-known Bible story of David and Goliath. David didn’t face the giant because he was fearless, but because he knew what he stood for. He drew strength from his past experiences, trusted in his purpose and in doing so, inspired others. It’s a powerful reminder of our school motto: Nosce te Ipsum (Know Thy True Self). When we understand who we are and what we believe in, courage becomes less about taking a leap and more about standing firm in our values.

This Term, I’ve seen many moments that reflect this kind of courage: students speaking up in debates, performing in front of peers, competing at carnivals, taking on leadership roles and extending themselves on camps. These aren’t just activities, they’re opportunities to try something new, to build resilience, and to grow perseverance. The more we practise, the more these qualities become part of who we are.

As I reminded our students, the true strength of courage is that it multiplies. When one person dares to act with integrity or compassion, it gives others permission to do the same. That is how a community grows stronger - one brave moment at a time.

Please enjoy this short video of all we have enjoyed this Term.