The Greek Philosopher, Aristotle, said: “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees the others.”

This week, as we have marked Anti-Bullying Week and World Kindness Day, these words have felt especially relevant. Courage sits quietly behind so many of the qualities we value, kindness, honesty, respect, integrity. Without courage, those other qualities remain ideas rather than actions. It is courage that turns belief into behaviour, and good intention into meaningful change.

The theme of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week, “Power for Good”, echoes that same message. We have been reflecting on what it means to use our individual power positively: to speak up when something is not right, to support others, and to challenge unkindness wherever we see it. True power lies not in control, but in compassion, in the everyday courage to choose what is right over what is easy.

Our Year 9 students have led the way brilliantly this week. They delivered a thoughtful and thought-provoking assembly on Monday that inspired us all to think deeply about the influence we each have. Their maturity, honesty and leadership captured the spirit of Anti-Bullying Week perfectly, reminding us that every voice matters and that each of us has the power to make our community stronger, safer and kinder.

To read all of this week’s Senior High Notes, please click here.