FROM THE STUDY

Debbie Millman, writer, artist and educator wrote an extraordinary essay titled Fail Safe – ACautionary Tale, a reflection on her life choices. Remembering the start of her career, she lingered at an intersection peering deep into her future and contemplating the choice between secure and uncertain, creative and logical, known and unknown. She dreamed of being an artist and a writer, wanting what her best friend described as ‘the whole world’. Rather than chase her goals, Millman thought it prudent to compromise, to aspire for success that was realistically feasible. It never occurred to her that she could achieve what she really dreamed. On reflection, she realises she lived within self-imposed restrictions, believing they were the fixed limitations of the world. Limitations where the possibility of failing becomes self-fulfilling – worrying that we aren’t good enough, smart enough or talented enough to get what we really want. She notes that at times we encounter someone who chose to strive for what seems unrealistically attainable or elusive and we are truly in awe. She reminds us these people are not lucky, rather it is the strength of their imagination and that they didn’t determine what was impossible before it was possible. In a world where lifelong learning is essential, Adrienne Rich poet, essayist and feminist, argues we can never believe we simply receive an education; we do much better to think of claiming one. To claim is to take action whereas to receive is to act as a container. It is the difference between acting and being acted upon; it is actively taking personal responsibility, refusing to let others do our thinking and talking. It is learning to respect and use our own knowledge and instincts and experience the messy process of grappling with the hard work that is life. Leading our own lives is perhaps the greatest leadership challenge we face; to claim our education, identify our mission and take action. To understand it will take us to the unknown and will be complicated, connected and messy, because we are. But if we never search, if we determine what is impossible before it is possible, then the chance of success is zero. I shared this story at Speech Night 2019, not knowing the intersection that lay ahead. If you had suggested we would live, work and learn in our homes for extended periods this year, we would have said it was impossible. Yet despite the challenges, we have made it possible. We have reimagined learning, working and living, taken risks, overcome challenges, rediscovered joy and learnt a great deal about ourselves in the process. The definition of success has become increasingly fluid in 2020 as we have learnt to negotiate challenges, temper our expectations and be kind to ourselves. Our girls have been our inspiration; they have risen to the occasion, embraced uncertainty, creativity and the unknown, both willingly and unwillingly, with little choice. They have transitioned to distance learning, embracing academic and co-curricular experiences. To see our beloved PAHF reimagined along with many other events brought hope and joy to our hearts and connected us in a time of physical distancing. More than ever this year we have realised our girls are strong, resilient and independent in times of challenge; they have grit and determination and the ability to make a difference. Initially we wished to return to the known. But now we are realising we won’t go back to life the way it was. Rather, we will go forward, taking the learning from this year to grow and improve our lives, our impact and our connections. We will use this experience to create a better future. On behalf of all staff, I send our sincere thanks to our extended Ruyton community for your support, connection and resilience during 2020. Stay strong, stay well and stay connected. Linda Douglas Principal