Principal's Post

The Dragon roars into May

Welcome to our May edition of The Dragon – our monthly school newsletter. Within its pages you’ll find a celebration of the many events which we have already shared together for Term Two, it has certainly been a busy and bustling three weeks. 

As we continue through this vibrant academic year, I am reminded daily of the unique spirit that defines our school. Ours is a community enriched by diversity, curiosity and a shared commitment to excellence in all its forms and we have most definitely seen this in bucket loads during the first three weeks of Term Two. 

We proudly celebrated St George’s Day by recognising two outstandingSt George’s Day Honour recipients — Anouk Potter (Year 12) and Mitchell Clark (Year 9). These students consistently contribute positively to the life of our school with wisdom, grace, and a spirit of service. It was wonderful to see Anouk recognised in Year 12, just as she was in Year 9 – the first time that this has occurred in the school’s history. Their names are proudly displayed on the St George’s Day Awards Honour Board at the William Street Campus, serving as an inspiration to others. The delight on their friend’s faces, the surprise from them as individuals and the pride from their families was palpable at St George’s Cathedral as the awards were announced. I hope they enjoy wearing their St George’s Day badges with great honour. Congratulations to you both!

Our Interhouse Cross Country Carnival at Kings Park marked a significant milestone, with Cowan House competing for the first time in truly favourable weather conditions. It was a wonderful event, characterised by strong participation, numerous personal bests, and a commendable enthusiasm for contributing to House spirit and ultimately House points. The willingness of students to engage so wholeheartedly is something we

continue to celebrate and the sea of red, yellow, green and blue winding their way through Kings Park was a joyous moment. Final results will be announced in Chapel next week – may the best House win!

The Interhouse Performing Arts Festival adopted a new format this year, enabling broader participation across all year groups. The result was an evening of outstanding performances, held in the magnificent setting of the Town Hall. Our talented students shone on stage, and the commitment of our Heads of House played a pivotal role in the success of the event. My sincere thanks are extended to all who contributed to such a memorable occasion. Dancing and Drama are definitely a St George’s thing!

Another highlight this week was the Pilgrimage of Joy, during which 40 students undertook the 16km walk from Christ Church Grammar School into the city. This meaningful journey culminated in the Pilgrimage of Joy Service held at St George’s Cathedral with Bishop Hans and representatives of all the schools involved in the week-long pilgrimage from Peter Carnley Anglican Community School in Wellard. The experience was enriched by a spirit of fellowship, conversation, and reflection along the river route. The final ascent to the rooftop at 50 William Street, while challenging, provided a fitting conclusion and opportunity for a shared blessing.

As we reach the end of week three in what has already been a fast-paced term, we have much to be grateful for. Our shared experiences have showcased the strength of our House spirit, camaraderie, connectedness, and spirituality. We have successfully woven together academic endeavour with opportunities for creative expression, performance, quiet reflection and sport, highlighting the truly holistic nature of education within our school.

Education is not confined to the classroom; rather, it is a dynamic and multifaceted journey and we see this daily with the tag line of ‘the city is our campus’ being lived out by our students and staff. As William Butler Yeats so eloquently stated, 

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” 

This philosophy is evident in the breadth of opportunities available to our students, each contributing to the development of confident, capable, and compassionate young people.

We were especially honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Perth to our school last week. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the achievements of our students and to strengthen our connection with the wider civic community. The Lord Mayor’s engagement was both affirming and inspiring, reinforcing the important role our school plays within the life of the city.

Our school continues to thrive because of the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the unwavering support of our families. Whether it be achievements in the arts, success on the sporting field, or the quiet persistence shown in daily learning, each aspect of school life contributes to a rich and supportive environment. As Helen Keller reminds us, 

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

This spirit of collaboration is truly at the heart of all that we do and has been shining brightly this term. 

As we look ahead, we remain committed to fostering a culture of respect, resilience, and aspiration. In the words of Nelson Mandela, 

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

With this guiding principle, we are poised and ready for what lies ahead, harnessing our collective energy to ensure that every student is empowered to succeed. Exams are just around the corner for our Year 10, 11 and 12 students and so it is a time for commitment to study and giving of ones best. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will ensure that our school remains a place where every student is encouraged to grow, to achieve, and to belong. Warmest wishes for a great weekend,

Mrs Tina Campbell

Principal