From the Principal
Thursday 10 September is RUOK Day and I have been most impressed by the leadership displayed by a group of our Year 12 students in organising an assembly focused on this important topic and their passion in supporting their fellow students’ wellbeing.
I was honoured to be asked by the group to share a message with our Secondary School students on the importance of being prepared to ask for assistance when struggling with any mental health concerns. It is essential that we remove the stigma of doing so and support our students in seeing this in a similar way to seeking assistance for concerns regarding physical health.
In my message, I shared the account from a colleague who was an AFL coach in Perth. He once asked his team in a meeting, who amongst them would be prepared to help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health? Every hand in the room went up. The next question was telling. Who amongst them would be prepared to ask one of them for help, if they were the one struggling? Not one hand went up. A powerful contrast!
I went on to state that during our lives we will all face times that are challenging and we will all face fears and obstacles that at times can seem insurmountable. I shared about a time when I personally sought the support of my closest friends and my father and had to make myself vulnerable in doing so. Just like the members of the AFL team, my friends were rock solid in their support and I am blessed to have such a strong and loving relationship with my father.
I have also learned over the years that the greatest growth can often flow from the biggest challenges that we face. The metaphor of a beautiful pearl growing from an unwanted intrusion into a pearl shell is powerfully symbolic.
I have often reflected this year how much we thrive on social interaction, which was reinforced by the joy we all felt when the students returned to On Campus Learning. As I was cycling recently with a new group up through the Northern Beaches towards Church Point, I realised that I hadn’t been as aware of the persistent bumps in the road, as when I had previously ridden the route by myself. We all need people in our lives to help smooth out the bumps!
So, my message to all in our community, as we promote RUOK day in the School, let’s not just stop and ask others if they are OK, let’s also be prepared to stop and ask for support when we need it.
OnSTAGE Nominations
Congratulations to Year 12 students Grace Flavell, Alec Henderson and Faith Oosthuizen, whose individual Drama performances have all been nominated for OnSTAGE, the showcase of the very best HSC Drama major works. The students are now in contention for the final selection to be performed at a professional theatre in 2021 and we wish them all the best.
RPFA Online Second Hand Uniform Sale / Fun Family Trivia Afternoon
Thank you to the members of the RPFA for their magnificent effort in moving the Second Hand Uniform Sale online. You can access the sale here until next Friday 18 September.
I also remind parents of the Online Fun Family Trivia Afternoon on Sunday 20 September. Bookings are $10 a family and can be made here.
Mr Stephen Webber
Photo caption: Collaborative learning in the Preparatory School.