Don't be pigeonholed ... be courageous, adventurous and intrepid.
Spring is evident all around the college at the moment and with it comes the promise of blossom for our annual college Fete. Every year, an amazing team from the Parents and Friends Association coordinate a multitude of workers to raise funds for the college and more importantly, bring us together as a community. So, to everyone involved, whether you are flipping pikelets, cooking sausages, making candy floss, running a stall or sweeping up afterwards ... THANK YOU!
More than any other time in its 100-year history, McGlashan students are displaying an increasingly diverse range of abilities and interests, from fencing and photography to ballet and trap shooting, and everything in between. While we can't always provide expert coaching for the more specialised interests, we can, and do, salute individuality and success. But, how much are some boys still limiting their potential by pigeonholing themselves?
Individual talents and interests can be part of one's identity but do not need to make up its entirety. Many boys are multi-talented but we also want them to push past the self-imposed boundaries of their potential and not waste any opportunity for growth.
The general ethos of the college is one where the boys are encouraged to think freely, and for themselves, using common sense as a guide. Rules are kept to a minimum and expectations are never dumbed down. Our boys mix well across the ages, are inclusive and generally do not make hasty judgements about other people or their strengths and weaknesses. Individualism is encouraged within the concepts of teamwork and a selfless concern for the well-being of others. But if we are to add value to our students’ academic, social, cultural and sporting abilities, then they too must show a willingness to 'have a go' and be prepared to make some mistakes along the way.
I believe that most limitations are self-imposed. Some boys feel socially pressured to fit into a particular image, and that makes for a narrow and complacent existence. I encourage all boys to think about their next endeavour, their next 'new thing'. They should seek out what brings them happiness and fulfilment, rather than defining themselves by what they excel at to the exclusion of all else. Boys, challenge yourselves to take up new experiences, the smallest adventures in our lives are often the most rewarding.
So let’s get started. Let’s not pigeonhole ourselves. Let’s try something new. Be courageous, adventurous and intrepid!
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