This past week we have focused on issues around bullying as well as celebrating cultural diversity and concentrating on recognising social justice issues in other places around the world. These two topics go hand in hand. They may be local, one on one problems of individual harassment or on a larger scale, political giants can oppress or turn a blind eye to the plight of people. Ensuring our students are compassionate and wise is important. Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead observed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Students have had thought provoking lessons on being positive bystanders and addressing bullying appropriately. They were also privileged to have a presentation from Levi McGrath who shared on the issues of children growing up in war-torn countries in Africa, the plight of refugees around the world and awareness of a program to supply music and sound equipment for remote Indigenous young people living in the Northern Territory.

…true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy – (our endeavour is to encourage our students to) think upon these things. Philippians 4:8

The end of the term is coming up quickly. Please mark in your diaries the following important dates for next term.

• Wed 26 April 1.30 – 7:00pm – STEM showcase and Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences for Year 8 Parents
• Thursday 27 April 1.30 – 7:00pm – FUSE showcase and Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences for Year 7 Parents
• Year 9 Student Led Parent Teacher Conferences

These are important opportunities to view these programs and meet with your child and their Pastoral Care and Core subject teacher on their school progress. Parents will have the opportunity to book from 1:30pm onwards for a meeting.

All other Parent Teacher conferences will be held on the 2 and 3 May. Please remember to email any of your child’s teachers if you would like to discuss any concerns or highlight progress you have noticed.

Our most pressing need is to ensure our students are global citizens who are compassionate and wise in a world that they will, by the nature of their Australian birthright, have an opportunity and a responsibility to make an impact on.

Jacqualina Vreeling, Head of Middle School