I hope you had a good two week break. For our elite swimmers there was no break at all as Coach Ivan and his incredible team kept going with training sessions throughout the holiday, both in the Nexus pool and then on a camp in Thailand! The energy and commitment in the swim team is infectious and utterly admirable.
The Years 7, 8 and 9 overseas trips at the end of last term were incredible learning experiences. You can read more about the trips in Recent Events, as well as viewing the trip Instagrams here:
This week has been Diversity Week, an opportunity for everyone in the community to get to know each other really well and celebrate our differences and cultures. There have been so many immersive activities during the week to inspire and celebrate our community's diversity. From the hundreds of painted pebbles to our visiting author, from the many music performances to the debates, from the International Films to the Bus Bay and Canteen stalls and activities, it has been an outstanding effort from everyone, particularly in the first week of term.
Sitting nicely within the overarching theme of Diversity, Thursday's House Launch Event was excellent, despite the rain. The learners had been buzzing with excitement all day about the House concept and it was such a treat to see the newly appointed House Leaders delivering so confidently and enthusiastically. The challenges were very well received and the learners had great fun in getting to know each other in their vertical age group Houses. You can read more about Diversity Week and the House Launch Event here.
As well as all the open air musical performances during the week, our fabulous Music Team put on a wonderful concert on Wednesday evening. Entitled: Fly Me To The Moon, the concert featured the orchestra, the full choir and many ensembles. The slick presentation with video inserts between songs was excellent! One of our Year 13 learners, Udit, made an original composition to kick off the concert which was inspired by the science and maths behind the moon landings. Please see the concert report here.
I have had the privilege of visiting the new campus twice this week and it is looking incredible. There were so many highlights but this was the first time that I had glimpsed the finished auditorium and it was special! The image below was taken one evening last week and on first glance looks computer-generated but I assure you it is not. I look forward to giving many of you a sneak peek on 9th November.
Enjoy the long Deepavali weekend and for our Hindu families may the festival of light bring joy to light up your lives in the year ahead.
Peter Hart, Head of Secondary School