From the Principal

Student voice

At last week’s Secondary Assembly, the question of RU OK was asked? Our students provided a reminder of the importance and significance of looking out for each other. Two Year 12 members of our Student Representative Council spoke very eloquently:

Eddie Monisse (Head Boy) discussed a crucial time in his schooling:

‘It wasn’t until a close friend of mine realised and checked in on me in class that I was finally able to talk about it. I cannot overstate the relief I felt being able to share what I was going through. 

While every situation is unique, my story is just one of thousands out there, and I was lucky to have someone ask if I was actually okay.’

Eddie also alluded to mental health concerns:

‘Depression and anxiety are common experiences in the world. For women, every year 1 in 7 will experience depression and 1 in 4 will have anxiety. For men, the statistics are equally shocking, as 1 in 8 experience depression and 1 in 5 anxiety. To put that into perspective, that’s one full homeroom in each year group.’

Chloe Anning (Loyola House Captain) provided excellent insights into issues that have been very prominent in Australia in 2021. She talked about the importance of mutual respect by referencing topical issues:

‘Sexual harassment is pervasive. There is no industry or institution that is immune from it. It happens in workplaces, companies, schools and universities, in restaurants, supermarkets, on the street, and in parliament; places that are built on the foundations of justice. It affects so many people.

This narrative needs to change.  

The power starts with you, to prevent these behaviours early, to hold your friends accountable, and to not tolerate the unacceptable treatment of too many.'

These are powerful messages provided by wonderful young people. Well done to Chloe and Eddie and many other students at our College pushing to make our school and our society a better place.

Robert Henderson

Principal