This week, we have been working with the 2026 Senior School Student Representative Council (SRC). Our incoming 2026 Director of Students Development and Wellbeing, Ms Tanya Boyd, challenged our SRC elect to think about their individual skill sets, strengths and areas for growth. Essentially a gap analysis from where you are, to where you could be. Then to start working on closing the gap.

My mind immediately turned to teams as I sat around the Boardroom table; as many of you know I have a strong sporting background and I am proudly competitive. In my role leading ¼«Æ··´²îæ», I need to get the team members playing in the right positions, working harmoniously and focusing on team goals. I also need a team with complimentary skill sets; our strength comes from the ways we challenge each other, building on good ideas - not just our own ideas!

I reflected with the SRC on the transition I made from management to leadership. Management was primarily about task completion and efficiency. In leadership, self-improvement often results in marginal gains, whereas the gains achieved by helping others to improve in their roles, tend to have significantly greater returns. When you give control, you build leaders. When you give orders, you build followers!

So today our SRC was challenged to be self-reflective, to address their blind spots and to set sail for an outstanding 2026. In the words of one of our ¼«Æ··´²îæ» Trustees John Schaffer - 'be brave, aim high and have lofty goals'!

This Hall-Mark© is about leadership, from one of my personal inspirations - captain David Marquet. Leadership, or should I say a 'ship of leaders.’

Shabbat Shalom.

Mr Chris Hall

Principal