At the beginning of this year, the senior cohort was challenged to create a College-wide theme for 2023. While on the surface this seemed like an easy task, we soon realized that coming up with a meaningful simple phrase was actually much harder than we thought.

Our brand needed to be catchy but also needed to encompass what we, as a cohort wanted to introduce as a cultural concept for the year. It also had to be something that could continue to be adopted throughout the College community after we had graduated. After hours of discussion, we came up with the phrase ‘Time flies, have fun, be bold.’

Time seems to fly when you're at school, and it's not just because you're busy with classes and extracurricular activities. It's also because you're constantly learning, growing, and developing new skills. Every day at school is packed with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities, which can make time seem to pass quickly. Additionally, as you progress through the years, you become more aware of how fleeting time is and how important it is to make the most of every moment. That is why we believe that students need to make the most out of every opportunity whilst at school, because in the outside world, we may be too busy to try new endeavors.

Having fun at school is crucial for many reasons. Having fun with friends and family helps to reduce stress and improve overall mental health, allowing students to better focus on their studies. It also creates a positive learning environment that encourages creativity and curiosity, helping students to develop a love for learning. Having fun at school also allows students to build social connections and a sense of community, which fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Being bold at school is an important trait that can lead to success in both academic and personal endeavors. It involves taking risks, stepping outside of your comfort zone, and challenging yourself to try new things. When you are bold, you are more likely to seize opportunities and act towards achieving your goals. Being bold also helps to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of self-awareness. It encourages you to be a leader, to speak up for what you believe in, and to make a positive impact on those around you.

When all three elements of our theme for 2023 are put together, we believe that students will be able to enjoy every moment of their learning journey. Although you may not be the best at sports or the strongest academically, there is always room to grow and learn from others, but you’ll never know if you don’t put yourself out there and try your best. Whilst putting your hand up to do something might feel strange and uncomfortable to begin with, you might be able to make some lasting memories with your friends.

So, as we continue through 2023, we challenge all of you to try new things and get involved in everything on offer at the College, because before you know it, you will be in your final year of schooling, wishing you’d gotten involved sooner.