Deputy Principal

Student Development

It is always a great time of year when we have the opportunity to formally acknowledge and celebrate all the good work that has occurred throughout the year. This year's Art Show, Awards Night, and FCIP concert series are no exception. In fact, I would have to argue that the quality seems to get better and better. This will be no different next week when we celebrate all sporting achievements, and our choirs at the Choral Showcase.

But what are we celebrating? Is it the As, the final series wins, outstanding performances? All these are definitely warranted, but what I enjoy most is watching the joys on student faces when they are acknowledged for effort and approach to their studies.

As Chloe Peoples in her address at Awards Night as Vice Captain stated, “Over the past year, I have had the absolute honour to see many young women discover the power to express their individuality. Whether it be in the classroom, on the sporting field, or even at an assembly, the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the girls who are proud to be themselves is truly inspiring.”

As Chloe also pointed out, success doesn’t come without its difficulties and that it is in fact these moments that make us stronger.

“Although there have been times where I wished that these challenges would magically disappear, I wouldn’t have it any other way as I truly believe that it is these challenges that shape us into the women that we are destined to become. They allow the inner qualities that we did not know we had to shine through, changing us for the better.”

Perhaps the best way to sum up the achievements of our girls is through providing you with some of the script from our College Captain for 2018, Tahlia De Felicis.  Tahlia thoughtfully used the story of the chicken farmer who found an eagle’s egg and put it with the chickens. It grew up thinking it was a chicken doing everything that they did.

“He thought that was what he was supposed to do. So that was all that he thought he could do. Consequently, that was all he was able to do.

From time to time we can mistakenly think we are chickens too, just wanting to fit in or feeling that we are not up to the challenge…Setbacks are inevitable; however, the thing that separates those who fail from those who ultimately  succeed is that those who succeed always get back up when something strikes them down. So, if you feel like you are surround by chickens, remember to reach down deeply to be that courageous eagle who is born to soar; always know your worth.

Tonight, let us celebrate the achievements of the girls and most importantly acknowledge the hours of effort and commitment that has brought you here. You have soared high, just as you were meant to.”   

Any young girls listening to either of our Captains would have to have been truly  inspired by their insights. Knowing what success looks like brings each person one step closer to knowing how to achieve it. Well done to our award recipients for 2018, and equally so well done to every student who  has soared like an eagle and achieved the goals she set out to achieve.  

Annette Butterworth