A Glass Half Full Kind of Year – From Stephen Edwards, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

A Glass Half Full Kind of Year

From Stephen Edwards, Deputy Headmaster & Head of Senior School

Are you a “glass half full” or “glass half empty” type person? If you didn’t know before this year, then the COVID pandemic would have soon helped you work it out. You could have either seen the worldwide pandemic as a time to shrink back and hide, hoping it would soon disappear, or as an opportunity to learn and grow and try some different avenues. As a School we chose the latter option!

The “glass half empty” would say, it was terrible that Corps Camp was cancelled, but the “glass half full” would say that it was the best Passing Out Parade ever, as new energies were redirected into the event. It’s sad that no spectators could watch the winter sports live, but it was awesome that it was televised for all to see, and we won the GPS Athletics and 1st XV Rugby (plus the 2nd Cricket and 1st Tennis earlier in the year). There was a time when the boys could not even be at School (which for Year 12 was only eight days), but our distance education program was outstanding and will be used into the future. Parents could not attend the parent/ teacher night, but many found it more beneficial to talk via Zoom. We couldn’t have our normal graduation ceremony, but many believed the Year 12 White Oval Farewell far exceeded the old event. Whilst there was no Valete Dinner, the Year 12 Farewell Dinner was a relaxed and delightful evening! We soon learned not to say, “poor Year 12, they are the boys who did their HSC during the pandemic”. Instead, we found ourselves admiring their courage and character as they faced the challenges, adapted and grew. It was perhaps most difficult for our parents as they were not able to engage with the School in the normal way, but I trust as they saw their boys grow in character and resilience, they were heartened.

On a personal note, I am sorry for those who have been personally affected by the pandemic. People have lost loved ones, been separated from those close to them, lost their jobs and experienced great loneliness. We must never forget the hardships many have experienced. That being said, I have loved this year; it has been an incredible experience to share it with our community and especially our boys. Our cup overflowed with great joy throughout the year.