Senior School 

From the Head of Senior School

I am always very moved by the ANZAC Day services; and in particular, by the presence of our students en masse and the Pipe Band. The coming together of our school, even though reduced considerably in number this year, in the emotive environment of the ANZAC commemoration, forges strong bonds of shared purpose and collegiality. It continues to be an event of symbolic significance, and I hope in the future many students will be able to unite for the march and service.

The commemoration services inevitably throw a perspective on our lives – as is their purpose - and a healthy one at that. I am always reminded how fortunate I am to live where and when I do, and realise, to my dismay, how easy it is to take these important things for granted. 

Seeing Albany through fresh eyes is also a helpful thing to do, to remind us what a glorious place we live in. Our guest speaker from last week, Melinda Tankard Reist, was forced to spend the long weekend in Albany due to the lockdown in Perth. I spent some time with her, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind me saying how impressed - even awe-struck she was - by the beaches, walks and landscape around here. She raved about the natural beauty, and that made me see it and appreciate it keenly again.

Melinda was also impressed by our students, who responded with respect and engagement to the challenges she put to them. There are plans for her talks to be the beginning of further exploration and discussion amongst the student body, and this is very encouraging. 

I read a quote on the weekend from Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte:

‘Prejudices, it is well known, are most difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilised by education: they grow there, firm as weeds among stones.’

What we seek to provide to our students is the exposure to ideas, and the willingness to grapple with them and to think. It was therefore very encouraging to see the way so many students reacted so positively to Melinda’s messages

Mr Mark Bonnin | Head of Senior School

Hospitality

The Year Ten class utilised a selection of pickles, relishes, and chutneys made last term, as well as pickled eggs, to produce a delicious Ploughman Lunch.  This was served with a rustic, seeded soda bread warm from the oven. They have started to look at Asian style recipes, producing some fluffy Bao Buns filled with Bulgogi Pork. 

Our Years Eleven and Twelve VET Hospitality students produced a selection of appetisers and salads to meet competency across several units.

Mrs Teresa McAllister | Teacher