In our most recent Assemblies we discussed Henry Ford. August 12, was the anniversary of the first production Model T Ford, in 1908.
Henry Ford was certainly an interesting man, but his drive and passion were two traits from which we can all learn. We discussed his determination in finally producing the cars, his initiative of organising what was labelled “The Peace Ship”, as he gathered fellow pacifists and headed to Europe in 1915 to stop the war, and many of his quotes, as listed, that can provide inspiration and reflection.
We also lit a candle in our Southwood Centre last week for Olivia Newton John. While her talent was unquestionable, her courage in her battle with Breast cancer, and her selflessness and kindness in establishing the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre at the Austin Hospital in 2012, because she believed passionately in its philosophy of wellness, was inspiring and something about which our boys need to know, understand and hopefully, admire.
Adam Kenny | Head of Boys Junior School
Tools for life – through Performing Arts
The boys in the Junior School exuded incredible confidence and energy in their rehearsals of ‘The Amazing Adventures of Superstan’ throughout Semester 1 this year. Finally, on Thursday 21st July, they performed in two amazing shows! Congratulations, and sincere thanks to both students and staff for all the creativity, sweat and energy that went into producing ‘The Amazing Adventures of Superstan’. The show left the audience in stitches and many parents were extremely impressed by the professionalism and high standard of the student’s performances. The boys made the audience laugh and sometimes cry. Theatre is so important, as it helps the audience escape their world and enter another world, even if it is for a brief moment. The show was hilarious in so many moments – the laughter providing some great therapy in todays’ world of business and stress!
Our productions and our Performing Arts program help our students explore outside their comfort zone, think outside the box, express themselves in a safe environment, cope with performance fears and build trust, relationships and confidence. All of these tools will stay with them throughout their lives. Mental health, as we know, is a huge issue in our students of today. It is a fact that “Children can feel more calm, less anxious when they are involved in music, dance and drama.” In my study on my wall, I always look at this quote : “It takes a special person to light that fire, to raise our expectations and never give up on them, no matter how challenging it might be. All of us are here today because at some point, somebody did that for us.” Somebody did that for me, and so I always think of this quote when we move towards a Production. I believe that we succeeded in doing something that we may not have thought possible at the start of this year. Our BJS 2022 Production was absolutely SUPER and exceeded all my expectations and dreams. We should all feel very proud.
Jacquie Casey | Junior School Choral and Performing Arts Coordinator
