National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence and Harmony Week

Today we recognised the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence and the 2022 message that Kindness Culture starts with us. Our reflections and learnings from this important day then carry us into Harmony Week next week where we will consider how we can be the changemakers in creating a world where everyone belongs.

In 2022, we acknowledge that one of the first steps in making change for everyone is to truly understand each other and will be inviting students to participate in a week of multicultural experiences. Through performances, activities and conversations we will come together to celebrate our uniqueness and culture. The week of events will then culminate in our first assembly for 2022, which is set to include performances from our recently formed Pasifika student group.

Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations as well as representing freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. To celebrate Harmony Week, students are also encouraged to wear a school appropriate, orange t-shirt next Friday (March 25^th).

Mr Bryce Berrell - Head of Students Year 8

Leadership

Last week, 10 of our Year 9 candidates for the position of School Leader attended the Brisbane Youth Leadership Conference at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. Although traffic was not on our side that day, we eventually made it and were privileged to hear stories of young people who had overcome much larger obstacles than our traffic woes, in order to make a change in the world.

All of the speakers were inspiring and were all there willing to make a change for our generation - Josie McMurtrie

Leadership is about the skills, the compassion, the act of being yourself and engaging your audience, so people remember you and your message. Together we can all make everyone feel united and welcome – Ayyan

We were fortunate enough to be able to listen to four young leaders and entrepreneurs, all sharing their knowledge and lived experiences, inspiring and fostering the creativity of the young leaders in the room. A highlight of the conference was being able to listen to the incredible Daniel Flynn, the founder of social enterprise “Thankyou”. He told of the vision he had to establish a water company that assisted people in poverty-stricken areas and his navigation through the hardships and challenges he faced during his journey. – Edwina

Student leadership voting has taken place this week for our College Ambassadors and our Specific Ambassadors across Year 7-9, while House Captain applications have been extended until Tuesday 3pm. All successful applicants will be celebrated later this month with a leadership induction ceremony – more detail to follow – but all students with the courage to apply should be proud of their efforts regardless of the results. One of our key takeaways from the stories from the Leadership Conference was that even though your time might not be now, it doesn’t mean your time isn’t next.

Extra-curricular Activities - Update

Sign-ups took place from Year 7-9 and the interest shown through these sign-ups will be used to coordinate activities throughout 2022. Students who have signed up for extra-curriculars that are yet to commence should ensure they are regularly checking student notices on Sharepoint as well as their EQ email.

In addition to the more formal extra-curricular activities, a wide range of lunchtime activities will soon be advertised to students through Student Sharepoint. Students can opt in and out of these activities as they please, and they provide a perfect opportunity for students to challenge themselves by trying out something new!

Mrs Elle Bullock - Head of Student Success