From the Head of Senior School

As Week 9 and Term 2 rolls around, we can now officially say we have made it! With all the speculation and doubt we experienced at the start of the term, it’s reassuring to know that we have successfully navigated all the challenges and made it through. I would once again like to acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience of all staff and girls this term, it’s been far from easy but the sense of fun and good will around the School has been overwhelming. To all of our families, I also extend my sincere thanks. Your willingness to adapt to the constant change and continue to support your daughters has been very much appreciated.

This week we have been able to allow the girls to share time in House Meetings, for the first time since Term 1, which was a great way to end the term. I have admired the way our Heads of House and House Captains have managed to keep their House buzzing along and maintain such a strong culture throughout this COVID-19 period. This time last year we were celebrating the success of the Prescott Puppy Pageant, but with many restrictions still in place, we have been unable to host this event this week. Like many other events, they have been postponed or cancelled, which is far from ideal, but to the credit of all our community, the spirits remain high. This was clearly evident at the end of term where girls took part in the House Public Speaking Competition. We look forward to seeing this wrap up early next term. I congratulate all girls who have taken part and used the opportunity to develop skills and test themselves in this area.

We will shortly enter into the exciting time of year where the Senior School leadership roles are vacated by the current Year 12 and the incoming cohort will have the opportunity to nominate themselves as 2021 leaders. Girls that have served in a particular area of the School and have developed strong leadership skills will be allocated a portfolio with the support and guidance from the outgoing Captains. Parents will receive further information about this process early in Term 3. I take this opportunity to commend all of the 2020 Leaders for their ongoing leadership of our School. They were one of the first groups within the School to respond to the ‘COVID-call’ and adapt their leadership and continue to meet the needs of the girls by launching their virtual assemblies. I know first-hand how time consuming this can be so offer my sincere thanks to all Captains for the way they embraced change and continued to lead the School with an incredible sense of fun and pride. We look forward to working with you throughout next term as you make the most of the time remaining until the official handover begins. The School is in a better place for the work you are doing – thank you!

During this holiday period, I encourage all girls and their families to make the most of the break and make the time to (temporarily) disconnect from their studies. It is a common misconception that we must remain deeply committed to work and be ‘on’ at all times. This is merely a reflection of the strong work ethic our girls hold as they strive to do well in all areas of School life. However, I must stress that a school community is built on much more than attending classes and achieving outcomes. Life happens outside of school and we are often juggling multiple commitments, complex family relationships, family illness and of course, our own care. In the absence of formal lessons and timetables, there is an opportunity to regain some balance, reflect on the past term and set new goals and new directions for the term ahead. Take the time to read, sleep in, enjoy the outdoors and engage in an activity that supports individual mental and physical wellbeing.

I would like to wish all families a very relaxing and refreshing break and thank you for your trust in us as we continue to work together.

– Neil Scotney
Head of Senior School