Welcome to Term 2.

Welcome to a new term at St Paul’s. Term 2 is eleven weeks long this year, concluding on Friday 28 June. I wish everyone well for the journey ahead.
After a considerable absence of international tours at St Paul’s, following the onset of the global pandemic in 2020, there were two tours during the recent school holidays. The language trip to New Caledonia was highly successful, as was our return to East Timor. Thank you very much to everyone involved. Details of these tours can be found elsewhere in this issue of the Grammarian.
Some people might be aware of my great interest in tennis. For me, therefore, Term 2 evokes memories and expectations of the French Open at Roland Garros, of one player in particular: Rafael Nadal. While I would love to see Rafa win yet another French Open, I fear that his age and long-term injury issues might see him disappointed.
Disappointments in life, of course, are inevitable. As much as possible, we must try to make the most of every situation, no matter how joyful or disappointing. American philosopher Henry David Thoreau maintained that “if we will be quiet and ready enough, we shall find compensation in every disappointment.” It is my hope that St Paul’s can be a place where people can find that inner peace, readiness and stillness referred to by Thoreau, for amidst the many joys there will be disappointment at times. I suspect that Rafa might relate to this as he enters this year’s French Open, ponders his future and reflects on the past.
“Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.” (Eliza Tabor)
I wish everyone well in the St Paul’s community during this second term. May it be full of achievement and joy, together with the peace and resilience needed for any tough times too.

Cameron Herbert
Principal