Finding the Shine Within

We began 2020 with such excitement as our prefect group encouraged us to have #2020vision. We had the perfect vision of our future and the plans to bring that vision to life. But it seems that the world had different ideas and the theme for 2020 swiftly shifted to adaptability, optimism and connection.

In this edition of the Elephant, we share the learnings, challenges and successes that we have experienced as a school community over the past year. The ability to adapt in times of challenge was something the Toorak community embraced head on. However, it was our connection, when we needed it the most, and our optimism in times of adversity, that we should be most proud of.

Psychology has long taught us the importance of connecting with others. People need people, and the quality of our life is often dependent on the richness of the connections we have with others, the joy we bring to those around us, and the memories we create with loved ones along the way. Never has the importance of connection been felt so deeply than over the last few months.

With a new environment for human interaction, we had to get creative in how we communicated, but through it all, our connection to one another remained strong. We shared stories, posted letters, sent gifts, recorded messages, shared in dress up days, watched movies together, networked with our Alumni and even exercised together. It was a profound moment to realise that everything we needed to reach out and connect with others was within us, and knowing this empowered us all.

One of the biggest challenges throughout this time was the inability for us to have a frame of reference for what was happening in the world. In the absence of a known experience, our brain can fill uncertainty with fear, anxiety and panic. We encouraged our community to change their frame of reference by remembering the power of optimism, to add thoughts of the future to our thinking, to appreciate having time together, and to know that we were here to support you along the way.

What we have experienced over the past few months has provided us with a newfound understanding that reflects our message for everyone at Toorak today. Find your shine. For all you need is within you. Your job is to find it in yourself and help those around you discover theirs too. We know that when we find the shine within ourselves, we project our true and best selves. This year, Toorak College did just that. Our light shines bright and illuminates the future ahead.

Mrs Kristy Kendall - Principal