From the Principal

Thought for the Week

'The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.'          (Rumi)

As the complete spiritual expression of the divine, everything we seek is already within us. We can spend our whole lives searching for that illusive something that will bring us peace, joy or happiness when all along it was never out there, it was within us. Why is it said that to give is to receive? Because in the process of giving, we are recognising that we have something to give. That recognition reinforces the idea that we 'have'. Grasping or wanting or begging or stealing all reinforce the idea of lack – I do not have – and so that continues to be the experience. This applies in all things from relationships and jobs to abundance and happiness. As a complete expression of the divine you are always fully employed; you already have all you need. You have the answers to every problem and you have the inspiration, creativity and ability to see these things manifested in your experience. Be still and know that 'I am God'.

The recent Arts in the Round Festival showcased the amazing talents of our students in so many creative fields. The orchestras, from the Junior Orchestra to the Senior Strings all performed magnificently in the Performing Arts Centre. The choirs sang beautifully to a packed audience in the Orchestral Room. The Visual Arts displays attracted hundreds of visitors who were given a feast of amazing sights including every kind of artistic expression from woodwork and painting to ceramics and pottery. We saw textile design and Visual Communication folios and even saw someone painting in Virtual Reality.

The Indonesian Club gave us such a beautiful song in spectacular Indonesian Costumes that highlighted their joy in learning. Thanks to the dancers and Godspell highlights, Media, Public Speaking and Drama presentations, amazing percussion groups and also the Year 7 performers. You were all wonderful.

Grateful thanks to Jan Tyquin for organising the program and pulling the team together and to all the teachers who trained the students in their various activities and also prepared and set up the Arts in the Round displays. Thanks to Vivienne, Evan and Maddy who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything work harmoniously.

Thanks to the P&F for the lovely afternoon teas and snacks and to the coffee-cart operators for the aromatic barista coffee.

As the school year comes to a close for our Year 12 students and they head off to prepare for their final exams, I know that everyone will join me in wishing them every success. Understanding that they have all the inspiration they need will help them to keep focussed on the task at hand. They have been a wonderful group of students and have led the school with a balance of dignity and fun, always maintaining our special expectation to 'always be kind'. The Year 12 students will be farewelled at the Valedictory Dinner on Friday night.

Thank you to the families that have hosted students from our sister school Clairbourn in California. This is a wonderful relationship that I am sure will endure for years to come. It is always good to have these students and their teachers with us.

Sholto Bowen

Principal