Term 1 continues at a fast pace and our girls are facing the realities of first academic assignments due.

Many are involved in the Term 2 SMC production of Alice and are balancing rehearsal times with other cultural and club activities. Summer sports are in full swing in a short season and many girls will be away next week at national summer sports tournaments. We wish them and their coaches every success and we want each girl to make the most of the unique experience of being part of a school team at nationals.

At a dinner this week with the prefects from Christ's College, hosted by our SMC prefects, we were privileged to hear from Darren Shand, a current parent of girls at SMC and the All Blacks manager.

Darren spoke of authentic leadership and the importance of knowing and staying true to yourself. It is so important that our young men and women know how important they are to each other, working collaboratively with mutual respect for each other's strengths. It is in working together, rather than against each other, that the next generation can make a positive difference to our world.

One strong message from Darren and one we often use at SMC is  "The standard you are prepared to walk past is the standard you are prepared to accept. The standard you set is the standard you can expect".

We need compassionate and brave leadership. These things were emphasised and discussed at the leadership dinner with Darren's motivational words triggering healthy discussion and debate.

He also emphasised the importance of understanding the difference between "below the line" negative and blaming behaviours and "above the line" ownership of a situation and our behaviour, compassion and positivity.

Such wonderful messages for us all as young people and adults.

Please keep in close contact with your daughter's tutor who will be a listening ear and support for you.