From the Principal 25.11.2023

I shared these words and this challenge to our community in one of my very first newsletter articles back in August. I discussed the importance, power and value of being a part of our community events and supporting our school’s endeavors.

Since I wrote those words there has been a myriad of school events; from year group showcases to International Day, FOBISIA trips to beach cleanups, coffee mornings, basketball games, Duke of Edinburgh adventures, field trips, and most recently our AGM (Annual General Meeting). Throughout all these events what has been wonderful to see is the participation of our whole community in one way or another. The common thread supporting the success of these events has been people ‘being a part of it’.

We are now in the final weeks of Term 1 and as we look ahead to a well-earned holiday break I feel it is important that we take this idea of ‘being a part of it’ and consider how we can continue to live it outside of school.

‘Being a part of it’ means to undertake experiences with one another, sharing new things and engaging in fulfilling opportunities together. The benefits of being a part of it and being a part of new things is well researched. According to the American Psychological Association new and diverse experiences play a key role in shaping confidence and resilience in young people.

In a busy place like a school, with events taking place almost endlessly throughout the academic year, ‘being a part of it’ is something relatively easy to do for our students. However as the holidays approach, for some in our community opportunities to try new things, share experiences and ‘be a part of it’ may become more difficult.

I’d like to encourage everyone to make the most of the events we have in the coming weeks before the break and get involved in things like this weekend’s Beach Clean Up and the upcoming KISMAS Fair on December 9th. When the whole community joins in (teachers, students, parents and friends) great things happen.

I’d also like to encourage families to ensure that time is set aside during the break to be together, to try something new and ‘be a part of it’. Whether it is simply going for a walk, trying a new restaurant or visiting somewhere new, shared experiences big and small have an enormous impact on positive wellbeing.