From the Principal

Last week I wrote about the students whom I had seen perform in the Eisteddfod, and how equally proud I was of those who aced it, and those who didn’t perform as well but gave it full effort. I will extend this theme this week as I sit with sore quads and calves after forming part of a Serra Terror team over the long weekend. Along with other staff, Stephen Nelson, Penny Callinan and Valetta Bolton, Board Chair Rosie Merrin, and various partners, we formed a less-than-formidable team tackling the 70km, often vertiginous, course. Much more impressive, and faster, was the team of Year 10 students who also took on the challenge. The Year 10 team ran, yes ran, past us early on the first day and then were there are the end to cheer us as we hobbled across the final line.
Just like for the Eisteddfod, the first step towards that final line was accepting the challenge and saying yes to being involved. In my mind the fundamental thing that sets a good school culture apart is the willingness of students to say yes to challenge and opportunity, in whatever form they come. Equally important is the disposition to cheer on others who are also participating, appreciating their willingness to try, regardless of the calibre of the actual performance. I was delighted to hear from other Serra Terror teams, just how positive our students were to those around them – encouraging, applauding, and where necessary reassuring. I will take every opportunity to encourage our students to participate in what’s on offer through the school and more broadly and, most importantly, to always encourage those others who do as well. I look forward to walking next year’s route with more student groups, as we engage in this wonderful community event in our superb natural location.