From the Senior School
From the Deputy Head of Senior School
Week 9 has been a busy week as the Year 11 students complete their Assessment block. The students are to be congratulated for their sensible and mature approach in their preparation and completion of tasks. For the students, this set of tasks will provide some valuable feedback on their strengths and areas in need of further attention. In addition to this, the girls can also review how well they prepared for their tasks, and make adjustments to their routines, where required.
Year 11 Formal
Last Friday saw their Year 11 students, and their guests, celebrate in style at Le Montage, at their formal. Once again, the girls are to be commended for their exemplary conduct – the teachers have commented on what a pleasure it was to spend the evening with your daughters and create some wonderful memories. My thanks to all the staff in attendance and the team who organised this event for the girls.
Sailing
Congratulations to Year 12 student, Sara Bruce, on her outstanding achievements in sailing this season. Some highlights of these include competing in the 2024 Oceanian and Australian ILCA Open and Youth Championships. Here Sara raced in an open age group, finishing 12th overall and was the 1st U19 female competitor. We are all so proud of Sara’s achievements in sailing, which are hard-earned and well-deserved.
Rowing
Congratulations too, for our rowing team, who competed in the Australian Rowing Championships, with our First VIII finishing in 2nd place. What outstanding results across the board, which reflects the dedication and hard work from the athletes and their coaches.
The National School Constitutional Convention
The National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) provided the invaluable opportunity for 120 aspiring legal minds across Australia to delve into the realm of Constitutional law, sparking aspirations for careers in politics, policy-making and public service. Through collaborative workshops in the four-day program, I was able to network with like-minded peers and exchange insights on the annual topic of whether Section 96 of the Constitution should be amended to decentralise the power of the Commonwealth. Topics of particular interest for me included the structure of fiscal federalism, the normative principle of subsidiarity, and the discretionary nature of state funding.
I was also equally fascinated by the keynote addresses from Mr Alan Fenna on residual powers and Dr Andrew Banfield on the accountability of states in receiving Commonwealth funding and grants. Highlights of the program were meeting with the Governer-General, visiting Government House, and dining at The National Press Club of Australia, which is known for hosting public debates and discussions that shape Australia now and in the future. The conclusion of the NSCC involved the drafting of a Communiqué with student insights on the annual topic to be passed on to the Deputy Chair of the Senate.
It’s exciting to know that the enriching discussions which took place during the program have the potential to make tangible change in Parliament! Beyond academic enrichment, the NSCC was an empowering chance to nurture a broader understanding of the way in which the Constitution profoundly impacts our daily lives and the need to critically analyse its frameworks to ensure it evolves along with our society.
Written by Jiya (Year 12)
Best wishes for Easter
Finally, I have returned from a short period of medical leave and would like to take this opportunity to thank the Deputy Head of Senior School, Ms Patricia Gallardo, for leading the Senior School in my absence. I was very sorry to miss some lovely occasions, particularly both Year 11 and 12 formals. However, I have had great reports about what wonderful evenings both of these were, and look forward to hearing all the stories from the girls this week.
Best wishes to all Senior School families, for a very happy Easter break. I hope you all find the opportunity to take some rest and have some great time together as a family. If you are on the move, safe travels. As you can see below, we have some exciting events to round out Term 1, and I look forward to seeing the girls back on Tuesday 2 April.
Term 1 Key Dates
Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 March – Year 11 Assessment block
Friday 29 March – Good Friday Public Holiday
Monday 1 April – Easter Monday Public Holiday
Thursday 4 April – Year 11 University Immersion Day
Thursday 4 April – Year 12 Food for Thought
Friday 12 April – Term 1 ends
Friday 3 May – Careers Expo (date changed to Friday 3 May from Monday 8 April)
From the Secondary School Parent Group
Dear Year 12 Parents and Carers
Please save the date for our Term 2 Parent/Carer Social Event – a casual pizza night on Friday 17 May at 7.00pm.
More details will be shared soon.
Wishing you a wonderful Easter break!
Pilar & Susan
Nikki Wyse
Head of Senior School