FROM THE HEADMASTER
Achieving a culture of excellence
Achieving something special with a team
of people is one of the most rewarding
things in life!
Jennyfer Leah, presented their report to
the staff at the beginning of Term 2 this
year. Their recommendations will be taken
forward by a new Social and Emotional
Well-being committee in the School. The
report reinforced the significant strengths
of our current programs in this important
area, whilst pointing to how we can more
effectively coordinate and articulate SEL from
Kindergarten to Year 12.
Throughout my teaching career I have been
passionate about harnessing the best out
of a group of people through creating an
environment in which all play an important
role, feel valued and are inspired to work
together.
When success in whatever form is achieved
with others it has a unique binding effect
on the group. In the end humans are social
creatures and we thrive in the dynamic of
teams.
It should not be surprising then that one
of our core School Values is Team-work. It
reinforces to students and staff that we can
excel when we combine individual personal
strengths in team situations to achieve far
more than in isolation. Different perspectives,
creative ideas, ways of thinking and the
collective passion, energy and enthusiasm all
combine to enhance the outcome.
Team-work is on display every day in the
school community, obvious examples being
in our music ensembles or sporting teams,
with subtler examples being how students
Headmaster Mr Stephen Webber
in their classes support each other in their
learning, and staff meeting in planning teams
across the School to develop and improve
our programs.
With well-being such a significant issue in
society, last year we initiated a staff Social
and Emotional Learning (SEL) research team
to complete a literature review, audit of
SEL programs in the School and present
recommendations for the future. This team
comprising Angela Hurley, Linsey Allen and
Earlier this year the School was presented
with a national High Performance Award
from Leading Teams in a ceremony held
in Melbourne. The award recognised
the leadership of staff and students in
embedding the ‘3G’ trademark in the School,
which was developed by students in 2013.
In a review of the trademark this year the
students have revised the three pillars of ‘3G’
to be Professional, United and Committed
and in a re-launch presented by Captain of
School Cassius Hynam, he clearly articulated
how these traits can be demonstrated by
students across the full breadth of the life of
the School.
Through holding each other accountable
to these trademarks in their various teams
across the School, the students will further
enhance the culture of excellence and instil
high expectations in all areas. The impact of
peer culture on the attitude and application
of students is significant. Collective belief,
affirmation and a supportive environment are
all essential for students to thrive and achieve
personal excellence.
The award from Leading Teams reflected
the passion and dedication of our staff
in creating the best environment for our
students to succeed. Key drivers of this
initiative were Director of Football and
1st XVIII coach Mr Geoff Valentine, Head
of Health and Physical Education Mr Len
Fernandes, Director of Rowing Mr Tony
Lovrich, Director of Student Leadership
In the end humans
are social creatures
and we thrive in the
dynamic of teams.
Preparatory School Captain Caleb Jowett-Blinman with
Senior School Captain, Cassius Hynam.
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