“I just want them to do their best” parents and teachers often say about a child or student. For me, it brings to mind the Tina Turner song, Simply the Best.

You're simply the best, better than all the rest
Better than anyone, anyone I ever met.

At NAC it is possible to do your best and uphold the dignity and worth of everyone around you. You don't have to step over others because there’s room for everyone to shine. Consider the last sentence of our school mission statement which talks about us being a...

Community of learners
Striving for excellence,
Unlocking the potential of each individual,
Developing confident, active learners
Who improve their world.

Unlocking potential

What does it mean to ‘unlock someone’s potential’? Do we know if our young people are reaching their potential? And as adults, are we reaching ours?

Toward the end of 2018 our Year 12 students came to the pointy end of their secondary schooling. During Term 3 many students presented their major works in Drama, Design and Technology, English Extension 2, Music 1 and 2, Society and Culture and Visual Arts.

The MajorMorphosis Exhibition was a night at which the school community was treated to a smorgasbord of artistic delights presented by Year 12 students. The major works on display once again showed off our young people’s incredible potential. Each year I am inspired by their artworks, stories, projects and creative performances.

Their work is evidence of their resourcefulness and resilience. It shows the extensive effort that they have made to develop their skills and reach their potential.

Given the high standard of the evening, it would be understandable to think that many in our Year 12 cohort may go on to make a career in the arts. However, establishing a career is not the only reason we make art. We live in a beautiful world created by an inspirational God, and we are all creative beings. The creative arts play an important role in unlocking the potential of every person.

Risk makes us better

Students who participate in the creative arts learn to take risks, and risk taking is essential if we are to fully develop our potential. Standing in front of an audience is somewhat confronting at first, but public performance, such as that on display by our incredible young people at our recent HSC Music Concert, teaches young people to conquer their fears and allows them to develop confidence.

Finally, I would like to commend the teachers who have worked with each young person to help them shine. The support of parents, extended family and friends is also greatly appreciated. Both groups of people are ‘simply the best’, and able to get the best out of our wonderful students.