Wellbeing - Middle School

Starting Strong in Term 4 

As we begin the final term of the year, I hope your household had the chance to enjoy some rest, reconnection, and a well-earned break over the past two weeks. Term 4 always brings a mix of emotion – the anticipation of milestones, the energy of finishing strong, and the reflection that naturally comes with the year’s end. 

In the final assembly of last term in Week 10, I shared a story with students that has long resonated in Australian sporting culture – and that carries a message just as relevant in the context of school life. It’s the photo that inspired the NRL’s Provan-Summons Trophy: two players, Norm Provan and Arthur Summons, captured embracing in the middle of a mud-soaked field after the 1963 Grand Final. Opponents just moments earlier, they stood together in mutual respect, united not by the outcome of the game, but by something much bigger – shared experience, resilience, and mateship. 

I said to our students: 

“School can feel a bit like a muddy field sometimes.
Things get messy. We struggle. We fall. We get tired.
But the moment in the mud reminds us: it’s not about who wins or comes out on top.
It is about how we treat each other.” 

That message came at the end of a term where we had focused heavily on themes of connection, care, and identity – through R U OK? Day, Faith and Identity activities, and our participation in National Day of Action Against Bullying. Each of these moments challenged our students to reflect on how they support each other, how they bounce back from setbacks, and how they ensure no one is left on the sidelines. 

“Having each other’s backs – even when the going gets tough. That is mateship.
Getting up after a fall – and helping others do the same. That is resilience.
Knowing that every single person has a place here – no matter their background, skills, or interests. That is belonging.” 

As a school community, we are proud of how our students have embraced these values – and we’re grateful for the role families play in reinforcing them at home. With many assessments and exams to come, Year 7 Camp, end of primary school celebrations and transitions, and many other events ahead, Term 4 will no doubt bring pressure as well as excitement. Our commitment is to help each of your sons finish well – not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. 

Thank you for your continued support. Let us keep working together to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and part of something bigger – muddy boots and all. 

Alexandros Sinadinos 

Director of Middle School