Dear PBC Community,

As we head into the holidays and the end of my first month as the Executive Principal, I am amazed daily by the range of fantastic opportunities for students beyond the classroom. I would need to have ten clones of myself to be able to attend all of them. I have been entertained by our drama production, dined at the excellent restaurant week, watched high level sport, educated by the sustainability project, dropped in on the Student Council and Leo’s group and visited the Swell Festival to watch our music excellence student perform.

A highlight that I was impressed by was the quality of speeches delivered by Year 11 students seeking leadership positions in 2024. This was undertaken in front of four hundred peers and staff. Many research findings identify public speaking as a top level fear. Yet these students overcame this. Cooper and Charlotte in their speeches both “encouraged” students to get involved and I did the same when given the chance to address the Year 11 students. There is a difference between attending the school and being part of the school, where you find the courage to challenge yourself, try new things and engage in extra activities. In my experience successful academic students are also busy with other activities.

I wish all students and families an enjoyable holiday. Wishing you safe travels if going away. For our Year 12 students this is their last school holiday followed by a term that will be go by very quickly.

Chris Kern
Executive Principal