From the Head of Senior School

It was with interest that I read the article Man Up published in The Weekend Australian magazine over the weekend. The article reminisced about the Aussie bloke of days gone by and how the lives of men have changed so much and so quickly in the past forty years. When once masculinity was defined according to alpha male characteristics of physical strength, economic success and a narrow range of subjects and skills, today masculinity is defined according to personal qualities such as courage, integrity, compassion and respect, to name a few. Who you are not what you do is important.

The much-needed changes in society's understanding of masculinity over the past four decades have brought with them essential changes in the way we go about preparing boys for life. At the centre of our efforts is the development of character in all boys. For character to grow, boys need to be guided in the values held high, surrounded by role models that set the example, and encouraged and praised when demonstrating virtues. The environment boys spend their formative years in is critical to personal development and the formation of character. It is with this knowledge that I have been looking forward to the week ahead that features every boy in the Senior School singing as part of the House Choir competition, the opening of the musical production The Addams Family and daily lunchtime activities where Year 12 boys run wellness activities for boys across the School. In addition, House Heads addressed boys last week about the importance of respect. Respect for self and respect for others. In particular, discussions and stories have been shared about the importance of embracing diversity, analysing different perspectives and empathising with the lives and circumstances of others.

I will finish by sharing an email I received last week from a member of the public who we met, together with two of his companions, on the Bibbulmun Track a few weeks ago. I share the email as an illustration of the very qualities we strive to develop in our boys.

Hi,

Myself and two friends from Sydney Bushwalkers are currently walking the Bibbulmun Track.

We had the pleasure (and initial shock) of meeting a group from your school on 18/5/16 at Blackwood Campsite.

I believe that the young men were Year 10 students accompanied by two teachers.

I must compliment the kids and their teachers - actually I would more say Mentors - not only on their conduct but their engagement with us during our brief engagement.

All of the kids were fantastic however what stood out were two outstanding young men who were supporting one of their mentors who had suspected shin splints. Both young men had accompanied him to the campsite however also stuck by him by committing to accompany him the next day to Balingup - a fantastic quality by not leaving your mates behind.

I lead many walks for our club in Sydney and around the country and was extremely impressed by the mateship those young men showed (although they did have a bit of fun at the teacher's expense - which was fair game!).

I don't recall their names however one of the kids had the skinniest legs I have ever seen and they also appeared to be the smallest (in stature only - not heart) in the group.

Once arriving at camp all of the young men just got to the task of setting up as small teams which was great to see.

My observation of the engagement between the young men and their mentors was very special and I reflected back to my schooling at the same age and just wished that I had teachers that actually took that much time to treat us as 'little adults' but more importantly as 'future adults'.

The three of us were most impressed and it was a delight to share the camp with these young men and your school and the supervising mentors should be congratulated on their behaviour and engagement with three 'strangers'.

Regards,

Robert Carter

Dr Rob McEwan

Head of Senior School

Traffic Management

We have received complaints from local residents and a call from the local police to remind parents that they must not block intersections and roundabouts around the College, particularly the Shenton Road/Stirling Road roundabout. This includes stopping and waiting to be able to turn left into Stirling Road from Shenton Road to pick up your child. Claremont police have advised that they will be policing the road rules in relation to intersections and roundabouts in the coming days and if you happen to be caught, you will be fined. Please show consideration when you are picking up your child and ensure you do not create traffic jams, block driveways, park in places that are not permitted and block access ways.

Saunders Street east of Wright Avenue is not to be used for dropping off your child.

Traffic congestion around the College is an issue for the College with the Town of Claremont and its residents and we ask that you be considerate and courteous to others.