Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning 

It seems like only yesterday that I was listening to Olivia Newton John sing about her heartbreak and love in the musical Grease. News of her passing this week reminded me of growing up and the soundtrack of my childhood. 

Do you ever wonder what the soundtrack is that our young people are growing up with?

At the recent presentation from Cybersafe expert Susan Maclean, parents were reminded that Cardi B’s WAP has been on high rotation on many playlists. And I believe some parents will be alarmed by the content of WAP and many other lyrics of the songs that our young people play. There is no doubt that music is important to our youth, that it offers escape, relaxation, affirmation, and direction. But I would encourage our parent community to use these songs as a talking point, to address issues of consent, relationships, ethics, morals, values. To discuss love, life and how we learn about ourselves as we reflect on experiences.

As I write, the number one song on the Billboard 100 Hit Charts is Beyonce, ‘Break my Soul’ followed by Lizzo “About Damn Time”, Harry Styles “As it Was” and Kate Bush “Running up that Hill”. Do you know why Kate Bush’s 80s classic has made a resurgence? Ask your son or daughter to tell you about the connection with Netflix. Remind them about the fact that music has also been meaningful to you and tell them why. 

 Poet Maya Angelou reminds us that - Music was my refuge. I would crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to the loneliness.

Music has the power to change lives, to connect communities and to bring respite. What music will form the soundtrack to your life in 2022?

Susan Bradbeer

Deputy Principal, Teaching and Learning