'Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better, and the world a little braver.' – Brené Brown
What a joy it has been to be welcomed into the Carey community. I have been so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet staff, students and parents, each of whom has been generous with their time, information and willingness to make connections; and I am sincerely humbled by this warm reception.
As the first week with the students has unfolded, many people have asked me to share my first impressions of Carey. In my short time here it has become clear to me that despite our size and structure, the Carey culture is built upon a foundation of mutual care, respect and a willingness to ensure that each student and staff member is supported to bring their best self to Carey each day.
It also clear that at Carey there is a culture of fun and participation, evidenced by the great enthusiasm with which the Year 7 students engaged with their session of CareyFit at Bulleen on Saturday morning. There were many grins, and a few groans, yet not one student shied away from the opportunity to get involved and have a little fun doing so. It will be fantastic to share moments such as this with the Senior School students as the year unfolds.
Finally, whilst obviously there is much for me to learn in the weeks and months ahead, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that, even on the first day of the 2021 academic year, it became clear that at Carey our motto of 'By Courage and Faith' is a lived one, and when students find ways to express this courage, their peers and teachers offer support and encouragement. An example of this was the musical performance which took place in the first Senior School Assembly. Rather than hear from a Senior School student, Ryan from our Middle School performed a beautiful piano piece, which was extremely well received by his Senior School peers. In that moment, I felt so proud of our students, and knew that I had made the right decision to join the Carey community. It is important to note that whilst Ryan is not new to Carey, last Friday’s performance took place on his very first day of Year 7 and his first day at the Kew campus – Ryan’s example of faith in himself and his abilities, courage to step beyond the safety of his Year 7 peers, willingness to be himself, and sense of belonging at our school are dispositions that that we can all admire, as too is the way in which our Senior School embraced his performance and bravery.
'True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are. It requires you to be who you are.' – Brené Brown
Kellie Lyneham
Head of Senior School
