A Message From Our Senior Boarding Housemaster
My old headmaster died a couple of week ago.
In moving through life, we are shaped by the people around us, and more often than not, by those who have led and guided us along the way. Many readers of this article will recall their own leaders who have shaped their own calling; their parents, primarily, but also their teachers, coaches, sport captains, House and School leaders to name a few. “I am who I am, and do what I do today because of them” is not necessarily an uncommon sentiment, but the power engrained within the phrase is undeniable. In today’s fragile and malleable world, good leadership is crucial. Brother Joseph McMahon was one of those people. After his death, these (paraphrased) words were said about him:
Joey’s icon, Brother Anthony Boyd said Br Joseph was a man of vision who had the rare ability to bring others along with him: “By having a strong direction, he could generate great support and get people on board with his plans. Joe was an outstanding headmaster.”
In essence, he remained faithful to what should be changeless, yet open to what should change.
A no-nonsense leader who was prepared to wear criticism but not be swayed from his ultimate goal, Joe was strong of mind but soft of heart. He believed in the power of personal relationships and the primacy of the boys’ spiritual and mental welfare.
Br Joseph’s vision was of resilient, manly boys who could rise to the challenge and display compassion and understanding when needed. The courage to keep the faith, step up for oneself and the courage to take care of others.
I think this is a wonderful leadership model and a powerful legacy. Today, perhaps more than ever, we need good leaders. Our boys are not perfect and they, as we do, make mistakes, but I reassure you that we will continue to educate them how to be good men and good leaders; to be the man of 40, not just the boy he is now. Whether they know it or not, our boys will all leave a legacy where-ever they go, for as long as they live. What leadership legacy they leave behind has already begun.
On a different note, it was wonderful to welcome our boarding families back together again for the Boarders’ Cocktail Party in February. Held off-site at The Greens in North Sydney, it was a resounding success, with around 190 of us laughing, reminiscing, establishing and rekindling friendships too long separated by forces beyond our control. It was a tour-de-Force with attendance like no other we have held. We hope to experience many more opportunities to enjoy fun times like this; thank you to all, especially Heather, for making this such a special occasion.
In Week 7 this term, I had the privilege of attending the annual ICPA (Isolated Children’s Parents Association) Conference in Hay. Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to listen to many guest speakers from a range of backgrounds and contexts, it was also a great networking opportunity. Heads of Boarding from St Joseph’s College, St Ignatius’ College, Knox, St Gregory’s College, Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, Kinross-Wolaroi, Wesley College Melbourne, Scots All Saints College, Loreto Normanhurst, NEGS and PLC were in attendance, and so many conversations and much notes-swapping took place, both during the day and of an evening when we were generously hosted by the friendly Hay families. It was a fabulous experience.
I have also included in this article some details about Shore’s new academic initiative, our Academic Deans model. This has been established to ensure greater support for our boys, both in Boarding and in the Day School, and so please take some time to peruse the information herein. Please contact Director of Studies, Matt Leeds for any further information or clarification.
It has been a fabulous start to 2021. Of course, there has been the odd hiccup, but they have been rare, and things have hit a rhythm as we stride into the last quarter of Term 1. The Shore Boarding Community is as strong as ever, with the new Grant Centre enjoying great boarding patronage and the boarding houses are busy and as productive as ever. We wish everyone a wonderful end to the term, and look forward to catching up again soon.
Best wishes,
Brendan
