The end of another year

There was a pause – just long enough for an angel to pass, flying slowly

With the end of another year upon us, many of us are reminded of the irrevocable passage of time, and how quickly the year has passed.

So many milestones have been reached – occasions enjoyed and challenges met, and I hope that everyone will take much pleasure in reading the coverage of this year in the 2011 Chronicle and the December edition of Lion, both available shortly.

2011 has been a mighty year. There have been many highlights at every level and at every campus across the Wesley community. This term two very special moments occurred for me as Principal when there was a pause – just long enough for two angels to pass, flying slowly.

The first was the visit to my office by a very young Wesleyan, Eloise in Year 2 at St Kilda Road, who had won a competition to be Principal for the morning. Her winning entry stated that if she were to be Principal she would teach all pupils at Wesley to respect animals.

Here is what she had to say:

It was fun! I remember that Dr Drennen showed us a box and a teacher owned it. It was very special. It was very old. I wanted to see the box.

We talked about stuff. We talked about me being Principal. Being Principal means that you have big jobs to do. I wanted to get an icecream truck. Dr Drennen asked, when, and I said next week.

We talked about how to respect animals. I learned that if you respect animals you are actually respecting everyone because it means you are caring.

The second occasion was a very special one too, with an angel of a different age passing through. This time it was one of our graduating students from Year 12, assisted by two outstanding Wesley teachers, Grant Eyles and Matt Jones, who came to provide the experience of a mock university entry interview in preparation for the real thing at Oxford in the United Kingdom next week.

At every phase of the school continuum, I can’t help but marvel at the quality of Wesley students passing through and their openness to the world and its opportunities. I hope that for you, like me, your year has finished with some very special highlights too and that you are looking forward positively to the year ahead.

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy holiday with my best wishes for the Season.

Helen Drennen, Principal