From the Principal
Scholarships - sign of times ahead
Stepping into the role of Principal has been an exhilarating and affirming experience. We have an incredible school and it is an honour to be ‘at the tiller’ for this semester. Of particular joy has been the process of meeting applicants for our Year 7, 2022, Creativity and Innovation Scholarships. It took the better part of two days to meet and talk with these applicants, and what an honour it was.
I met young people who could articulate how they learn best, share a considered view of our school, and describe what Learner Profile attributes they believe they exemplify. Overwhelmingly they stated that Preshil was somewhere they felt they could be themselves, be a part of a nice community, and be creative.
Some of these applicants had driven real change in their current schools demonstrating their capacity to live as active citizens. Some applicants had identified ways in which they might bring this action to Preshil. What was wonderful was meeting young people who identified as artists; film makers, painters, musicians and songwriters, performers and orators.
There are many measures of a thriving school. I believe that these students might just be one of those.
Embracing the changes ahead
While this semester has brought about changes in leadership at Preshil with my move to interim principal, and Victor and Karoline taking on new Head of Campus roles, it is fitting that we openly talk about change, as for some it represents uncertainty, while for others it might prompt considerations of opportunities. Whatever the case, I want to share my thinking about change at Preshil.
Our school existed long before any of us were a part of the story, and I wholly expect it will endure long after us all. Preshil is, after all, Australia’s oldest progressive school. When we are in times of change it is important to remember what an incredible achievement this is. I was taught, and cared for fiercely, by Mug, the second of the two Lyttle Women. Those of us who grew up with her considered that Preshil and Mug were one-and-the-same. Inseparable. No one could quite conceive of what might happen once Mug were gone. But Preshil has thrived.
What is remarkable is how much can change at Preshil, while our core remains unchanged. We’ve embraced technologies, changing curriculum, the increasing regulatory requirements imposed on schools and the introduction of the International Baccalaureate programmes from our kindergarten to graduation, and yet, at our core remains our identity, that of a school in which relationships come first.
Victor, Karoline and I are committed in our service to this school, and together we bring a wealth of knowledge across all three IB programmes, as long standing staff, parents and even a sneaky alumna.
Cressida Batterham-Wilson
Interim Principal