Head of Campus Report – 16 November 2017

A core aspiration of the manner in which we educate our boys at Berwick Grammar School is to seek to grow good men. This philosophy means that whilst a key focus is on our students performing to their absolute best in examinations, we must also seek to prepare them for a rapidly changing world. As such, a focus on building relationships and literacies in a variety of contexts is essential, along with ensuring that our students can act as both leaders and servants in both our own and broader communities. Central to this is ensuring that transitions occurring smoothly, change and potential hiccups are identified and strategies are put in place to build resilience. A quick reflection on the past month reveals just how busy our lives have been at Berwick Grammar School throughout the opening weeks of Term 4. Such a reflection should also indicate that the philosophy of Growing Good Men is alive and flourishing at our School.

We said farewell to our Class of 2017 through a range of formal and informal functions and activities. The manner in which these young men departed our school was in a word -’classy.’ They thanked their teachers and parents in a dignified manner and left a great legacy for others to follow through their willingness to finish strongly and to ensure that they engaged with activities with a sense of respect and gratitude. Our Speech Night was a wonderful occasion where the spirit of the School was on show to all, and again the warmth which permeated both the celebrations and farewells of this transition from school to the many wonderful challenges inherent with what lies beyond. A celebration of our Year 9 Endeavour program again highlighted the importance of Literacies, Leadership and Transitions. In a celebration of the year long program, each boy had the opportunity to share his experiences with families and friends. Finally, the official opening of our School Oval last Friday evening was a true community event with staff, students, former students and parents joining in the festivities of a Social Cricket Match against our recently departed students. I was struck with the affection these Young Old Boys have for the School and their teachers. As the dusk settled across the outfield and the camaraderie of the victorious Old Boy Team was so positively evident, I certainly reflected that our approach to growing good men was bearing fruit.

Dr Steven Middleton
Head of Berwick Grammar School