From the Head of Learning and Teaching

Cultivating a Love of Learning

One of the great privileges of my role in the past two weeks has been stepping into classrooms across the School to experience the rhythm, joy and richness of learning in action. I have conducted a series of learning walks, a way for me, as a new leader, to better understand the culture of learning that thrives in our community.

What I have seen has left me both inspired and moved.

From Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 12, our students are immersed in meaningful, authentic learning. In Visual Arts, I listened to each of our Year 12 students describe the driving concept behind their Body of Work, articulating with clarity and emotion the inspiration, the choice of medium, and the often deeply personal narratives that underpin their creations. Their vulnerability and confidence as young artists was both humbling and uplifting.

In Music, the passion of our Year 11 HSC and IB students was evident as they shared their original compositions, some sparked by poems, others by visual artworks. Their ability to draw connections across disciplines and translate emotion into sound demonstrated not only technical skill but genuine love for their craft. 

In TAS, Year 7 students proudly showcased their beautifully constructed Milano pencil boxes—a testament to the power of hands-on, project-based learning that develops practical skills while nurturing creativity and precision. Meanwhile, in the Theatre classroom, Year 11 students were mid-rehearsal, staging a key scene from their absurdist-influenced production. Their energetic, thoughtful discussion about directorial choices highlighted the importance of student voice and the joy of collaborative learning.

I was also fortunate to be transported to the ‘Roaring 1920s’ in our stunning Senior production of The Great Gatsby. Watching the performers stretch towards the symbolic green light in the finale reminded me of our role as educators: to kindle in our students the courage to dream boldly and pursue what sets their hearts and minds alight.

Across every learning space, from the rich oral language experiences of our youngest learners in Pre-Kindergarten, to the sophisticated discussions happening in Languages, Religious Education (RE) and Maths, I witnessed a palpable love of learning. Our students are curious, capable, and they are engaged in work that matters to them.

I look forward to continuing these learning walks over the coming weeks, including more time in our Junior School classrooms and the other Senior School faculties. I am grateful to our teachers for the vibrant learning environments they create each day, and to our students, whose energy and passion make the vocation of teaching rewarding.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching