A moment with Mrs Terrie Jones

"We may not know what the future will hold but we will continue to prepare our children and young people to face whatever challenges are ahead and inspire them to use their strengths and talents to shape an inclusive, more equitable and just world."

At the halfway point of 2021 with the Winter solstice behind us, we are still riding the crest of the pandemic and yet from this vantage point, even with all its attendant uncertainties, a future filled with opportunity and promise stretches before us. This edition of The Crest is resplendent with stories of connection, hope and new endeavour; a retrospective of the first semester with a lens that is forward-looking and vibrant. The energy of the cover image tells of the broader life of the School and our rich Performing Arts program taking flight once more. Importantly, it is a leap into the future, toward a new horizon, from where we will be better equipped to embrace a new normal with and for our students, the School and the world. A future reality that is more purposeful, connected and sustainable. The pandemic has required us to recognise that these three endeavours – purpose, connection and sustainability – are key to a meaningful, flourishing existence within and beyond our school. We may not know what the future will hold but we will continue to prepare our children and young people to face whatever challenges are ahead and inspire them to use their strengths and talents to shape an inclusive, more equitable and just world. One of the greatest joys of being part of this learning community is the opportunity to witness the growth of students and staff, and to learn with and from them. As I move about the corridors, play spaces and classrooms, I happen upon evidence of learning with all its pitfalls, tangents, high points and low ebbs. Without doubt the humans of St Michael’s, in their diversity and in the tenacity they demonstrate in the process of ‘becoming’, are a source of endless and relentless optimism. I hope you enjoy reading all the news herein. The positive contagion of the smiles and the stories of our students and staff are a balm for the times and evidence that the metaphorical Spring awaits all of us on the other side of whatever ‘Winter’ we may need to endure in order to emerge stronger, more resilient and ready for the next thing.