Wellbeing - Middle School

The Year That Was  

Last Friday, 21 November was our last Middle School assembly for the term. I took the opportunity to wrap up some of the important messages I spoke to the students about across the year.  

As we wrap up another massive year, I want to take a moment to look back on a few things I’ve spoken about this year.  

Let’s start with the iconic: the Provan–Summons NRL Trophy. And what a Grand Final it was. The trophy was more than silver and shine— for the winners, the Broncos, it was a year long journey and just like us here, our journey is very similar; of mateship, perseverance, and sticking together through the hard times. But this year also taught us that success isn’t simply about holding up a trophy, it is about who’s standing beside you when the whistle blows, when the scoreboard isn’t in your favour, and when the challenge feels a little too big. It’s the growth and learnings that we take away with us that are most important.  

That brings me to something else I spoke about this year—real role models aren’t always the ones on billboards or with huge online followings. Often, they’re the everyday people around us. And many of them are right here in our school community—I have been very blessed to see and work with them. The students who have led by example, who have put in the effort when no one was watching, who have lifted others up without needing any recognition; these are the people who quietly set the standard for our great College. So, thank you.  

And speaking of character—I remind you of the address I gave returning from the Football Tour regarding the Lyon v Manchester United game. A match that looked done and dusted until United pulled off one of those classic, “surely-they-can’t-do-this” turnarounds. It was a perfect reminder that the game isn’t over until it’s over. And the year isn’t over until Speech Night concludes - over a week of learning to go. We go right to the very end. Over the last few weeks in YCMs, I have spoken about the positive reputation you all have as cohorts, and reputation can turn in the blink of an eye. As you grow older during your time at school, your reputation becomes one of your greatest strengths.    

So, whether it was tackling tough assignments, juggling different things both in and out of school, navigating camp, returning from setbacks, or just showing up when it would have been easier to sleep in—each of you has had your own great and unique story for the year. I encourage you to reflect on that over the remainder of the school year.    

Thank you for a fantastic year. Look out for each other, recharge over the break, and we come back ready to go again in 2026.    

Alexandros Sinadinos

Director of Middle School