From the Principal

Tina Campbell

As we come to the end of Term One and enter Holy Week, marking the last week of the Christian season of Lent which leads to the celebrations of Easter, it seems right for me to acknowledge all that we have at St George’s and the joy in our lives because of our strong connections here.

We have seen joy shine within the school in these final few weeks of term.

We have come together as a whole school community to undertake the Colour Run and raise money for the bushfires as part of Gandhi Charity Day. We have seen students and staff show both bravery and courage in having their heads shaved for the World’s Greatest Shave. Our Year 7 students have celebrated their unique bonds and connections as the newest members of the St George’s School family by enjoying a fun and exciting camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre and the Year 10, 11 and 12 students were full of smiles and excitement as they boarded the Crystal Swan for their river cruise.

We also came together in the Cathedral this week to recognise the importance of the Easter story in our own lives as Christians and to share a special Eucharist Service together before heading off on holidays. Finding joy within a school and in each classroom is indeed an important part of education. If we describe ‘joy’ as being ‘the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying’, then we can absolutely say that St George’s students experience joy during their time here.

Many of our greatest joys can be attributed to learning. By helping our students to find pleasure in their learning can allow them to experience a greater sense of joy within their lives. I have seen and experienced this joy in the many different classes that I have been lucky enough to attend as I have shadowed Cosette, Ali, Tom and Cooper this term in my endeavour to understand more clearly what it is like to be a St George’s student. From the drama improvisation activities in Year 11, to swimming at UWA pool with the Year 9s, Advanced Music in Year 10 to Specialist Maths in Year 12. From learning the delights of Pythagoras Theory in Year 9 to spending lunch in the city as a Senior Student. From the Noble Pathway presentations on ecosystems in Year 9 to learning about a variety of chronic health conditions in Year 10. It has been an array of joyful experiences for me and bore witness to the many wonderful adventures that St George’s students are able to enjoy each day.

Maundy Thursday is our last day of term. It marks the night of the Last Supper which Jesus shared with his disciples, his betrayal by Judas Iscariot and his arrest at the Garden of Gethsemane. Maundy Thursday reminds us of the new commandment that Jesus gave his disciples to ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12) – a love that is demonstrated by Jesus willingly giving up his life on the cross on Good Friday. What better message to enter the holidays than this – a message of striving to show service to others, a message of having the heart to love and to care for others and to be kind. Such unconditional love, hope and renewal is the significance of the Easter message that brings such joy to me.

I wish you all a wonderful Easter break, a time for reflection and I hope a time where you can also each experience joy in your own lives. I look forward to welcoming you back next term.

Term Two begins for students on Wednesday 21 April. As a reminder all students will be returning to school in their winter school uniforms, and I ask for your support in ensuring that they begin the term wearing their uniforms and presenting themselves in a manner that demonstrates their joy and pride in being a member of the St George’s School Community.

A very Happy Easter to you all,

Warmest wishes,