The year has flown by and here we are halfway through Term 4!  

It is remarkable to see how much the girls have grown personally and academically.  

Our Preppies are looking forward to Year 1, our Year 3 girls are excited about moving to the lower level with a new uniform and laptops, our Year 5 girls are preparing to step up as Barbreck Leaders in 2025, and our Year 6 girls are eagerly anticipating their first year in Senior School.  

Indeed, there are changes on the horizon for everyone. The one constant in our lives is change, and the ability to adapt is key to success. Preparing for change thoughtfully can make all the difference. 

Change often brings some anxiety, but it is the support from teachers and parents, along with the girls’ resilience, that will shape how well they adapt. Most of the girls will encounter new teachers, expectations, and class dynamics in the coming year. They will have time this term to adjust and prepare, especially those transitioning from single classes to larger, mixed ones. 

At Barbreck, we give thoughtful consideration to each class’s composition, ensuring each girl has at least one friend with her. Classes are balanced by numbers, academic ability, and individual needs, helping each girl feel included and supported. Social skills like making new friends, working collaboratively, negotiating, and understanding different perspectives are essential skills for the future and are key elements of a 21st-century education.  

These qualities were a focal point in our Years 5 and 6 Careers Day Program, where guest speakers shared insights on what it takes to be successful across different career paths. Developing these skills from a young age lays the foundation for success. 

Friendships are a big part of our girls’ lives, and we encourage them to build a wide circle of friends rather than relying on just one. A diverse friend group offers many benefits including: 

• fostering social skills 
• providing varied perspectives 
• helping girls understand the value of compromise 
• making them better negotiators 

A good motto to embrace is, “Why have one friend when I can have many!” 

Our Year 5 girls are especially eager to embrace their new roles and take on more responsibilities with the upcoming leadership elections. It is a thrilling time, but it can also be challenging, especially given how much potential each girl brings. Coping with disappointment, whether from not winning a race, achieving a top grade, or securing a leadership position, is part of growing up. Though disappointing moments are never easy, they are often short-lived as girls discover new opportunities for leadership and involvement. 

We encourage all Year 5 parents to help their daughters prepare for the possibility of disappointment before the elections. Talking about the idea that there may be only one winner can help set realistic expectations and provide a broader perspective. It is helpful to remind them that while they may not succeed this time, there will always be other opportunities at School and beyond.