From the Head of Senior School

Welcome to the 2023 school year!  

We are thrilled to have our students back and we are looking forward to a challenging and productive year. I take this opportunity to commend our students for the fantastic start they have made. Our students have returned refreshed, full of positive energy, and we have settled well into our academic and co-curricular programs. They are also looking extremely smart in the new uniform… 

Swimming Carnival  

Congratulations to all students for their outstanding conduct and participation at the Swimming Carnival last Friday at the Orange Aquatic Centre. It was a huge day of racing and activities, and it was wonderful to see such positive House spirit on display. A big thank you also goes out to the staff who supported the event and helped make it a huge success. Your dedication and commitment played a crucial role in ensuring the day was enjoyable for everyone involved. Well done to all! 

Year 11 Burn Bright 

In order to prepare both practically and pastorally for the year ahead, on the first day of term all of Year 11 participated in Burn Bright’s Summit Leadership Program. As Seniors they are all leaders: they are active role models to our younger students and need to be aware of the potential impacts of their decisions and actions on themselves and others.   

The Burn Bright presenters incorporated meaningful and thoughtful activities such as the Line Game in order to bond the students over common fears and joys. The more sombre activities were balanced by movement, conversation, and music to ensure the cohort was interacting as much as possible in a positive and fun filled manner.   

Key concepts that our Year 11 parents and carers may wish to follow up with discussion include: 

• Understand that conscious and mindful leadership starts with an exploration of our own decisions, behaviours, actions, personal strengths and values.  
• Seek to serve others.  
• Build genuine and trustworthy relationships and show appreciation for others.  
• Allow students to realise the impact of their behaviour and influence and the opportunity they have for meaningful contribution to their community and the world around them.  
• Take responsibility for their actions and the outcomes of those actions.  
• Seek perspective, overcome judgements, and celebrate others’ differences.  
• See the power of a vision for the future and finding something that you enjoy doing.  
• Find things that challenge you and help you to grow.  

Very best wishes to all for the year ahead.