We have returned to School this term with a very strong sense of purpose—to continue to deliver an excellent education across all years but with an understanding of the particular importance of ensuring that the young women of Year 12 are well prepared for their external exams, clear about their tertiary pathways and able to enjoy the important milestones that make the experience of this final year so meaningful to them, their teachers and their families.
There is, for us all, an understanding that this crisis has a long way to run in health, economic and emotional terms. We set off into the term knowing that, more than ever, every lesson matters, every experience is to be appreciated and the continuing refinement of our systems and processes—and maintaining vigilance in our practices—remains fundamentally important. The possibility of a COVID ‘relapse’ remains ever present in all of our deliberations. While I try to start each term with some words of inspiration for our Staff, on Monday I must admit I could find nothing more profound or more suitable than, ‘Make hay while the sun shines’.
Our beautiful new Science building continues to emerge discreetly and respectfully above Gregory Terrace—and rather more boldly above the ICB—as a wonderful reminder of the power of our ambition and commitment to the education of girls and young women, and the importance of progress. The optimism and spirit of the girls has been evident this week in the trials for new sports, training for the resumption of competition and in the exquisite musical performances of the girls—in our numerous ensembles—as they rehearse for Gala Concert 2020, which will have the most uplifting of themes Ode to Joy, in this year the 250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven.
Staff and girls were encouraged to take a genuine break—much needed and greatly appreciated by all—and are now energised and excited about the term ahead. I hope that our parents too enjoyed some pleasant times with family and are looking forward to seeing their daughters learn, and grow in confidence, in the months ahead.
Ms Jacinda Euler
Principal
