This week, the Year 12s have begun their final SACE external examinations. The girls have approached these exams in a positive manner and it was pleasing to see many of them at school last week sitting practice exams with their teachers during SWOT VAC. The Year 12 teachers are thanked for their work with their classes and for their preparation of the girls for their final exam block this year. We wish all girls the best in their examinations, which will run until Friday 18 November.

Last week, the 2023 SRC held their Big Lunch with a theme of ‘Halloween’. The girls organised a fantastic lunch and began their vision of ‘U&I’ or ‘Unity and Identity’, which they will present fully to the School at their assembly next Monday. Throughout this week, the International, Design and Technology and Library committees have collaborated to provide a range of entertaining games and activities for the girls to be involved in during lunchtimes. This has included drone racing, learning how to play various games from other countries (such as mahjong), Nintendo Switch games, a Student versus Staff Mario Kart challenge and an Obanyaki Drive. The girls are congratulated for hitting the road running and we look forward to their other initiatives over the next twelve months.

Over the last month, girls in the Senior School have been exposed to a range of road safety programs relevant to their stage of life. Young drivers are the most vulnerable road users; the statistics are alarming and they are not improving. Last Wednesday, all Year 10s attended the ‘Save a Life’ presentation run by Darren David. Girls experienced driving a real car on a simulator and heard essential messages about the causes of distraction for drivers and the real risk of being in a car without your seatbelt on.

On Monday night, I was fortunate to attend the Wildy Film Festival at the Palace Nova Prospect Cinemas. This ‘red-carpet’ affair celebrated the films created by students in Middle and Senior School as part of their Multimedia course work or with the Media Team. The girls and Mr Hal Bruce are congratulated for the range of short films produced as a part of their coursework.

The Year 11 Drama production Così was enjoyed last night in the Newman Theatre by all in attendance. Set in 1972, Così is a semi-autobiographical play which explores a life lesson for Lewis, a young director who takes on the task of producing a play with the patients who live in a mental asylum. The Year 11 Drama company ‘Mental Minds Theatre’ have been developing their interpretation of the play over the past 10 weeks, with the cast and crew crafting a fast-paced, comic and character-driven work to bring to the stage. Congratulations to all girls and staff involved.

Finally, today at 11.00am we remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the theatre of war at our Remembrance Day Service. We can never forget the freedom and opportunities that we have today as Australians due to the dedication, commitment and sacrifice made by so many in the armed forces in the past.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.