Message from the Principal

Rites of Passage
On Tuesday this week, I heard a commotion outside the front foyer so I went out to investigate. I witnessed a group of about five Year 13 girls standing in front of our main entrance taking photographs of each other whilst hurling pages of class notes into the air. They excitedly informed me that they had just finished their ‘last exam’ (at High School anyway) as they communicated how relieved and excited they felt. Next week, these students will also participate in the Year 13 Graduation ceremony on Tuesday night and the Graduation Ball on Friday night at the Hotel Icon.

By contrast, we are holding our Year 6 into Year 7 transition day this coming week as we welcome 300 students from our partner primary schools to KGV for a day of learning and orientation. I am predicting a similar level and excitement around our school as students begin to be inducted as KGV students and begin their learning journey with us.

All these experiences reminded me of the importance of the ‘rites of passage’ as a ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone’s life. As a school, we play an important role in creating these experiences for our students and to help all of them create their own meaning and sense of these important transitions.

The happenings of next week also reminded me of how quickly life rolls on and the speed at which our young people grow up. I am sure that there are many parents thinking they cannot believe their son or daughter is about to finish Year 13 or is about to start high school. What is also stark, is the unrelenting pace and ubiquitous nature of change such as the fact our new Year 6 students we welcome on Friday will be facing a ‘different world’ in seven years than our Year 13 students graduating are facing today. This may be the first time in human history that we can see significant technological, economic and cultural change in the space of a decade (not centuries). The challenge and purpose as parents and educators is compelling and essential in helping our young people build the courage, adaptability and resilience to embrace this reality.

To celebrate the rites of passage, I would particularly like to welcome and invite our parents of Year 13 students to our two big events this coming week. Thank you to VP Mr Carrell and his team for organising the Year 13 Graduation on Tuesday night. This year, we have moved the Graduation ceremony back to an evening event and after Year 13 students have completed their exams. Thank you to VP Ms Beer and her team for organising the Year 13 Graduation Ball on Friday night. We have changed the format as we formally invite all parents of Year 13 students to the Hotel Icon to watch our graduates arrive on the red carpet. This year, we are also ‘live streaming’ this Hollywood style event via social media.

This is all about helping our students create their own meaning, appreciation and memories at these important rites of passage events. It is also about reminding students that they are all on their individual journeys of learning and challenge to find ‘their own remarkable.’

Kind regards

Mark Blackshaw
Principal
King George V