I regularly follow my alma mater’s Facebook page, and early this month I was enthralled by a poem shared, entitled Brilliance written by the Scottish poet, Hannah Lavery. It was written to pay tribute to the women of Glasgow University on International Women’s Day, and yet I think her message speaks to all humankind. It reflects on Scotland’s long journey through COVID-19, and the ‘need for brilliance to break the dark’. The Lavery suggests the antidote to darkness is found when,
‘She shows up
Blazing
Ever trail making
Expert, Innovator
Houses the light…
[and] brought the light to that never ending Monday’
Blessed as we are in Australia, the shadow of COVID-19 has never been far from our own shores in Brisbane and as we approach the end of Term 1, it seems timely to reflect on the ‘brilliance’ of the last nine weeks, when we have basked in the ‘light’ of diverse and rich learning experiences, and to remind ourselves of the ‘blazing’ moments in our community that help chase the darkness away.
Last week, we recognised Harmony Week and the National Day of Action Against Bullying. Inclusive conversations during assemblies, alongside activities about respectful relationships carried out by girls across Primary and Secondary, expressed a sincere desire to unite and send a powerful message that bullying, and violence, have no place in this community. And yet, we are challenged at times by behaviours among girls which are unkind and are not positive. Our narrative is constant and consistent when we are faced with examples of unkindness, nastiness, and exclusive behaviour - it is never acceptable at MBC and in response it is imperative that staff, students and parents work in partnership to foster a culture of inclusivity, understanding, acceptance and belonging. It behoves us as adults to role model conduct of the highest standards because, sadly, if our students watch the news and follow social media, it can seem the world is beset with cruelty and malice.
So, I have also been in awe of the courageous young women among us who have been a beacon of hope for so many others, by speaking out about consent, sexual assault and violence. Over the last few weeks, members of Senior staff have addressed this significant social issue in newsletters, and in assemblies, and we have been inspired by girls who have come forward to articulate their views and propose how we may work together here, and with the boys’ College, to privilege and prioritise such important discussions. Their voices radiate the primacy of respect in all our relationships.
Significantly, kindness and generosity do flourish at MBC as students have engaged with various service projects, shining another light – this time on those less fortunate. In Primary, this week our Primary girls have had a ‘red’ day in support of the work of Red Cross and they are preparing care packs for residents in local aged care homes; in Secondary, toiletries are being collected, along with Easter eggs, for the local charity BABI. Also in Secondary, Drewe and Alison Greene Houses have highlighted the work of two wonderful organisations whom we have supported for many years – the Golden Octopus Foundation and Yalari – and raised funds for the work of both charities at their service day. At Chapels there have been illuminating moments too. Secondary Chapel Leaders shared their inspiring Lenten wellbeing challenges, and Primary Chapel leaders and students demonstrated great resilience and character, when a double-booked venue resulted in Chapel being moved outside, to the Dome. On a very hot day, the girls sang with great passion and enthusiasm, and remained focused in prayer to celebrate their own faith journeys. It was a wonderful reminder that worship does not need a building – just an abiding appreciation of the light God shines on us all.
Music has also provided a blazing light for us over the course of this term. As we eagerly await the Classics concert next week, there have been a multitude of other opportunities for students to shine. At our Twilight Picnic, our rock bands and other ensembles lit up the night and at various assemblies, students have performed to standing ovations and rapturous applause. Moreover, few who attended the International Women’s Day breakfast will forget the powerful and emotive rendition of Helen Reddy’s anthem, I Am Woman (Hear me Roar) by 120 Primary and Secondary students and staff. And, then I was blessed to hear Vocal Point sing at the memorial service of old girl Margaret Hill. Their performance of the Lord’s Prayer, the College Song and Hymn moved the gathered congregation of MBC Old Girls’, friends and family to tears. In this moment of darkness their gift of music brought a light which comforted and brought great peace.
In Term 1, we have also been shining a light on teaching and learning. Our teachers have committed themselves, their professional experience and expertise to the development of our Teaching and Learning Approach. This will ensure we have a consistent Early Years – Year 12 approach which fosters the skills demanded of our students in the 21st century. Moreover, when I have been in classrooms, I have marvelled at the girls’ curiosity, as they ask thoughtful and reflective questions, and thrive on the collaborative learning environments set up by skilful teachers. And while our students know they are not defined by academic results, they should be proud to celebrate their hard work and effort, and outcomes, of these first nine weeks.
Sport at MBC glows bright too, with hundreds of girls finding ways to Be Active. This term, Water Polo has enjoyed great success with our U17 and U18 achieving third and fourth place, respectively. In QGSSSA Softball, our Open team secured the Premiership (undefeated no less) and our Beach Volleyballers won Gold at the Beach Volleyball Queensland School’s Cup. In Swimming, our Primary Andrew’s Cup and Secondary QGSSSA teams secured second place at their respective competitions. And, at the Wondall Road Challenge, the MBC Primary Swimming team, combined with the MBBC Swimming Team, took out first place overall. Late February saw some exciting Tennis being played at our annual Primary Tennis Championships and our School Sailing Teams racing commenced in the first week of March. Our sailors have had great results over the past three rounds with MBC 1 being undefeated in Round 3 and MBC 2 undefeated in Round 1. Club Hockey has also got under way this term and girls have been competing in the BWHA Club competition – and this year MBC has entered a turf club hockey team for the first time. Impressively, five MBC students have also competed for Met East at the QLD School Sport Triathlon/Aquathlon Championships.
Last year in the newsletter, I wrote about Julia Baird’s text Phosphorescence. Baird implored us all to nurture within ourselves that essential quality of internal happiness, to find the 'light within’ (our 'phosphorescence') to sustain us through the darkest times. I was reminded of this imagery when Amanda Gorman recited her poem, The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s inauguration. Gorman’s text begins with a question:
“When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade?”
and concludes by saying:
“When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
I love this idea that we all have the potential to ‘be the light’ in this world and that we can be aflame with it, and unafraid. For centuries, writers have used light as a powerful metaphor to signify knowledge, goodness and happiness. The Irish poet, William Butler Yeats said, ‘education …is the lighting of a fire.’ and I would like to suggest that an MBC education is about lighting the fires of knowledge, understanding, goodness, humility and empathy for others, to enable young women to thrive and discover that which brings them happiness.
There is so much that ‘houses’ the light at MBC - classrooms, the visual and performing arts, sport, our Christian faith and service work, and importantly in each of our students. As we reflect on this first term of 2021, I ask all in this community to bring into sharp focus the many moments of ‘brilliance’ around you, they are a powerful reminder that there is much at MBC for which to be grateful.
Have a happy, safe and holy Easter.
