During Reconciliation Week, our community came together in a powerful celebration of truth, respect and unity. The Sea of Hands installation became a visual reminder of our shared commitment to reconciliation, while the whole-school performance of ‘Beds Are Burning’ was a moving moment of collective reflection. Equally special was seeing our Middle School students join with Junior School students for games of Edor in the Quad. Watching students of different ages laugh, compete and connect highlighted the important role young people play in building bridges across our community.
One of the great privileges of working in a school is witnessing students step confidently into the next stage of their journey. Our recent Year 9 Level Up Evening was a wonderful example of this. Parents and students gathered to explore the opportunities available in Year 10, but the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly our student panel. Hearing students speak with honesty, maturity and enthusiasm about their experiences reminded us that some of the most powerful guidance young people receive comes from one another.
That same spirit of support was evident at our Academic Awards Assembly. Celebrating achievement is an important part of school life, and it was wonderful to recognise students who have demonstrated commitment, perseverance and growth in their learning. Academic success is rarely the result of talent alone; it is built through consistent effort, resilience and the courage to keep improving. We are incredibly proud of all students recognised.
Recently, a group of our Year 9 leaders have been volunteering at a local aged care facility alongside Ms O'Loughlin. While quieter than some of our larger events, this initiative speaks volumes about the culture we are seeking to build. Service, empathy and connection sit at the heart of meaningful leadership, and it has been wonderful to see students giving their time to enrich the lives of others. We thank Ms O’Loughlin for her passion and commitment to service learning and for creating opportunities for our young people to grow and develop.
Finally, our Year 7 students recently attended ‘We Will Rock You’, a production that showcased the extraordinary talents of many members of our school community. While the performance itself was outstanding, what stood out most was the bravery on display. It takes courage to step onto a stage, to perform in front of an audience and to share your talents with others. Our students left inspired not only by the quality of the production, but by the example set by their peers.
Across each of these experiences runs a common thread: the remarkable potential of young people. Whether through leadership, learning, service, creativity or cultural understanding, our students continue to show us what is possible when they are encouraged to contribute positively to the world around them. Their energy, compassion and willingness to step forward give us every reason to feel optimistic about the future.
Katherine Ziebell
Head of Middle School
Pearl Aged Care Fortnightly Excursion - New Initiative
On Thursday, 28 May and Thursday, 11 June, five Year 9 Middle School Student Leaders, along with Miss O’Loughlin and Miss Henriksen, attended Pearl Aged Care Facility in Fannie Bay. The vision behind this new fortnightly excursion is to increase the wellbeing of the residents through a variety of activities, such as rich conversations, puzzles, bingo, gardening, card games, and singing and dancing. The first session was wonderful, with each student engaging with a range of residents, all with a bright smile and an infectious attitude. The second session was filled with new and returning residents, with a main activity of painting, coupled with sharing stories of childhood memories and highlights throughout life. The residents were incredibly grateful for the sessions and were excited when they found out it’s an ongoing fortnightly initiative! The smiles, laughter and genuine connection was amazing to witness, and we look forward to visiting again in Week 2 of Term 3.
Phoebe O'Loughlin
Year 7 & 8 Ochre excursion
Our Year 7 & 8 Ochre cohort went on a wonderful excursion to the Northern Territory Wildlife Park on Tuesday, 19 May. Our students participated in feeding wallabies, observing the feeding show of Top End birds and explored a variety of different habitats.
We had a great day and were very impressed with how respectfully our amazing students conducted themselves and represented our school throughout the park. It was a lovely day for everyone involved.
Anna Staib
Head of Ochre
Hikes, Waterholes & Teamwork: Year 8 in Action!
Over the past few weeks, our Year 8 students have participated in an unforgettable Outdoor Education Program in the stunning surrounds of Litchfield National Park.
Students undertook a multi-day hike along sections of the Tabletop Track on the western side of the park, travelling between spectacular waterholes and waterfalls while exploring the region’s unique escarpment landscape.
Working collaboratively in small groups, students developed valuable practical skills, including off-track navigation, remote camping and cooking using Trangia stoves.
A highlight of the experience was the opportunity to swim in the park’s natural waterholes and immerse themselves in the beauty of the Northern Territory’s natural environment.
Throughout the program, students demonstrated and strengthened key personal qualities such as teamwork, resilience and organisation. By supporting one another and reflecting on their experiences, they developed skills and confidence that will benefit them in future Outdoor Education programs and beyond.
Gabrielle Barry
Head of Outdoor Education
