Dear parents and guardians,

Deputy Senior Prefect Max Langford (12/LE) spoke about ‘hope’ in his prefect speech at assembly on Wednesday.  For Max, the true antithesis of happiness lies in hopelessness, a seemingly endless horizon of bleak indifference. He told us that now, when it seems everything is against us, hope can seem like a difficult thing to find.  

Max quoted English screenwriter and author Laurie Penny: “Hope is not thinking positive thoughts. Hope is not self-delusion. Hope is clinging to the life raft and kicking, even when there is no sight of land. Hope is a muscle. Like most muscles, it hurts like hell at first, but it gets easier as you get stronger, and you get stronger the more routine, seemingly pointless work you put into it.”

Max urged us to take the time to place everything in perspective and be grateful for what we do have.

We were also able to recognise a group of quiet achievers. A member of the public called the College on Wednesday morning to praise the social distancing and behaviour our boys displayed while waiting for the Newington bus at the Cammeray shops.  I am not sure who these boys are, but I congratulate them for doing the right thing even when they thought no one was watching. 

I would like to take this opportunity to announce that in Term 4 we will welcome our new Head of Strings Ms Adele Ohki to the Music Department.  Ms Ohki is an Australian citizen returning home after studying, working, teaching, and performing in Europe and the USA as a violinist for 20 years. With her postgraduate qualifications in Violin Performance and Baroque Music, we are looking forward to her leadership of our existing team of passionate and inspired string educators.  

Just a reminder that tomorrow, Friday 14 August, and Monday 17 August are student-free days.  Year 11 and Year 12 boys are welcome to attend the College on Friday to work in the Library and/or Year 12 Study Centre.  Boys are not required to wear uniforms but should have their temperature checked at reception on arrival.  Sport will still be played on Saturday 15 August.

Once again, I thank you for continuing to make wise decisions to keep our community safe from COVID-19.