AROUND THE SCHOOL
About resilience
The subject of countless books, much
academic research and debate, human
resilience is, in a nutshell, our ability to recover
from difficulties. Perhaps more importantly
it is our ability to recover and then adapt and
change our behaviour, so that we can learn
and grow from adverse experiences.
We know that people who are resilient lead
happier, more fulfilled lives, contribute to
communities and support those around
them. Without this key ingredient, it
is difficult for people to recover from
adversity and impossible for them to thrive.
Fortunately, there is a good body of evidence
that shows we can build and develop
resilience, or learn resilience, and of course as
someone involved with young people this is
the area that interests me the most.
My grandad grew up in the mill towns of the
south west of Western Australia in the 1920s
and 1930s. These were small communities
where income was limited. He told stories
of wrapping his feet in Weetbix bags on
his way to school, then quickly unwrapping
them before arrival so that attention was not
drawn to the family’s lack of ability to afford
shoes. Life was difficult and opportunities
were very hard won. He passed away
earlier this year, at the age of 94. He had an
ordinary, but extraordinary life, and his most
enduring legacy was his ability to adapt, to
people and situations, to creatively problem
solve and to create tools that suited his
purpose when there was not one for the job.
I remember him laughing regularly, often at
his own quiet jokes, and in constant motion,
always up early and on the move. He always
had time, was never too busy to explain what
he was doing or answer 101 questions from
his grandchildren. He was the most resilient
character I know.
A quick scholarly search results in 2.6 million
academic articles for resilience. My ability to
summarise this into something meaningful
in 300 words is, frankly, impossible. So,
I return to my grandad’s example. To be
resilient is to lead a contented and fulfilled
life, with the ability to deal with the
inevitable hardships that will come our way.
Heartbreak, loss, financial hardship, illness,
failure and death are a part of every life and
it is essential that we can recover and thrive
after these events.
Resilience diminishes when we are belittled,
when people around us are unkind, sexist,
racist, or marginalise and make judgements
about us. It also diminishes when we are not
allowed to fail or reflect on our mistakes,
when we are not asked to take responsibility
for ourselves and our behaviour and when
we are restricted and unable to follow our
own path.
Ms Jennyfer Leah
Our resilience is increased when we are loved
and cared for, when we are treated equally
and fairly and supported by those around us.
It is further increased when those around us
have high expectations for us and support
our dreams and aspirations. They must also
let us know when we have not been the best
version of ourselves and (without listening to
our excuses) help us find a way to be better
next time.
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight”
(Japanese proverb)
Just like Grandad.
Ms Jennyfer Leah
Deputy Head of Senior School
Family generosity through the ages
There is a stunning stained-glass
memorial window in the Chapel of St Mary
and St George which was donated by Charles
Herman Bogle in honour of his son Charles
Stewart Bogle (Sc 37–38) killed in WWII. And
today there is an exquisite harpsichord in the
Music School, kindly gifted in March 2020 by
Charles Herman’s grandson, Stewart Bogle (Sc
66-68) and his children Charles and Helena.
The family decided that the seldom used
harpsichord should be tuned and played
regularly and would be ideal for teaching the
keyboard. Stewart said, “We hope that the
school finds it a great instrument to teach
upon and for the performance of Baroque
music. We hope foremost though, that having
this instrument will add a new dimension
of learning for keyboard students: in the
construction of a harpsichord, the tonal
possibilities available with it, it’s tuning, the
manner of its playing when compared to a
piano or organ, and achieving the right pitch
for the performance of music written in the
Baroque period.”
The Director of Music, Mr Kieran Hurley, was
thrilled with the gift. “The addition of the
harpsichord will allow students to perform on
an instrument synonymous with a particularly
prodigious time in music history, being the
Baroque Period. To play the music of Johann
Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart (among many others) on the type of
instrument for which it was written, adds a
whole new depth to the performance. I look
forward to showcasing the instrument in a
Chamber Concert as soon as we are able.”
The School is extremely grateful for the gift
of this beautiful instrument. Our heartfelt
thanks go to Stewart, Charles, Rosemary
and Helena for this generous gesture. The
harpsichord will be treasured by our music
teachers and students alike.
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