We congratulate both of these young men for finishing their Boys’ High careers at the very top of our academic performance with results that demonstrate copious will and skill. They can now look forward confidently to tertiary study here or abroad, and commencing their ensuing careers. All our high achievers have lifted the rigour and reach of so many lessons in which they participated.

Looking back on 2015, we encourage each boy to reflect; to identify instances when his learning happened well; to identify the times when opportunities were not taken fully. If he can distinguish the two clearly, including reasons for their disparity, he’s already on the right path. His challenge becomes one of staying on the right path while also improving the journey along the way.

In a recent Assembly, the boys were directed to a set of questions to support their reflection and self-awareness. The exact same questions were put to Year 10 about the same time in 2014 while still in Year 9; all were arranged around a simple, central question: How well have you progressed this year?

To ‘unpack’ this, each boy was encouraged to consider:

- Have I made new friendships? Have I looked after my friends? Have I shown respect for people – including those who are not necessarily my friends? Have I helped others to do things without having to be asked? Have I led others and with what success? Have I been a good communicator? A good contributor? Have I been honest with staff, students, parents and myself?

- Have I respected the school? Have I shown pride in my conduct, appearance, attitude, and in myself? Did I pick up a new hobby or interest? Did I represent the school, and if so, did I do it well? Have I played my part in maintaining our traditions?

- Have I gained important new knowledge and skills? Have I added good things to lessons? Have I done the best with my own time to achieve the best during school time? Have I gone outside my ‘comfort zone’ long enough to adapt and grow? Did my subject results reflect my actual ability? Overall, have I progressed to the best of my ability?

If their answers to most of these questions were authentically in the affirmative, it suggests a year to be cherished. If not, if answered mainly in the negative, it indicates where future growth and achievement is waiting to be activated. The vast majority of our boys sit undoubtedly in the former rather than the latter group. Our challenge is to bring the best of the Boys’ High experience to all our boys, so the first group expands while the second one continues to shrink.

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Have a fantastic Summer. Come back safe and well and ready to join us in the education of the boys again in 2016.

Nick McIvor

Scientia Potestas Est

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