“It’s not You-nona, or Me-nona, it’s We-nona.”
Tessa’s Prefect speech was a fitting way to end the School year in the last Principal’s Assembly for 2024.
Each week, our student leaders share their insights with their peers in Assembly.
Back in Term 3, when I put my hand up to be a Prefect, I used an expression: “It’s not You-nona, or Me-nona, it’s We-nona.” Now, to some, this might sound like a catchy phrase, but to me, it embodies something deeper—a belief in the power of ‘We’. Our community is the pearl I’m chasing.
A community isn’t defined by just a few standout individuals, like star athletes or brilliant scholars. As Dumbledore said, “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Our community thrives not because of individual brilliance but because of the everyday choices and actions made by all of us—big and small, average and extraordinary—that contribute to the whole.
This year, I played in the AV 10s Netball team with an amazing group of girls. I’ve been playing netball since Year 4, and I’ve loved it ever since. Over the years, I have played every position on the court, and while I have found that Goal Shooter and Goal Attack suit me best, I’m definitely not a superstar. But this team wasn’t about individual brilliance. In Term 2, we placed third in our division and, in Term 3, we reached the IGSA semi-finals. Yet what I’m most proud of isn’t the wins, but the strength we found together. When one of our teammates suffered a serious injury, our games became tougher, but our bond became stronger. We showed up to training on those cold, rainy Thursday afternoons and those early morning games, not just for ourselves but for her.
To my teammates—Carlia, Greta, Ava, Liv R, Liv B, Bronte, Sophia, Sophea, Ishinka, and Aya—thank you for such an amazing season. It’s because of you all that I learned the value of persistence and the grit to keep going.
Swimming has also been a big part of my life. And while I’m not setting any records in the pool, I show up every Tuesday and Thursday morning as part of the AV Fit and Fast squad. I’m not in Senior Performance but that doesn’t mean I’m not a swimmer. I’m proud to say that because, to me, the glory is in showing up, in pushing through the tough mornings, and in celebrating the friendships formed along the way.
One of those friendships is with Issey, who has been swimming with me since Year 7. Even when we felt like giving up after just a few kilometres, or when the Year 7s were speeding past us in the 25-metre sprint, we kept going. I may not be the fastest swimmer but I am a swimmer and that’s what matters.
Looking back to Junior School, my sister and I were cast as the Raccoon Twins in the Peter Pan musical. Imagine my surprise when I got the role despite being profoundly tone-deaf and having two left feet! I didn’t get it for my talent, but that’s the point—being a part of the musical was about being part of something greater, about supporting and celebrating each other. Every year since I’ve gone to see every AV musical because they’re not just performances—they are a testament to the strength and spirit of our community.
Our pearl, our community, isn’t just made up of the extraordinary students who appear on AV Weekly Wrap-Ups or Instagram, or those who receive Character Awards. It is made of a thousand small, thoughtful actions by every girl that create something extraordinary. It’s the girls who play sport because they love it, not just because they excel at it. It’s the students who may not be academic stars but are passionate about learning. It’s the singers who may not get the lead role but pour their heart into the chorus.
The ‘We’ is the pearl, made up of countless acts of kindness, reaching out to new friends, forgiving grievances, and moving forward. Greatness isn’t just in standing out but in standing together.
I hope you all have an amazing summer break. Look after yourselves, take care of yourselves, spend time with family and friends, reflect on the things you’re grateful for, and do the things you love.
Finally, I would like to say a few words about our incredible Principal. Dr Scott, your unwavering dedication to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and empowering School community has left a lasting impact on AV. You’ve inspired confidence in each of us, reminding us of the power of kindness, perseverance, and lifting others as we rise. Personally, I’ll always cherish your encouraging words and the way you have made every student feel seen and valued. You have truly made my 13 years here at AV feel special, and I can’t thank you enough. Your leadership has profoundly shaped our lives, and the lessons you’ve taught will ripple far beyond these gates. As you begin your next chapter, carry with you the immense gratitude of all whose lives you’ve touched. We will miss you very much and wish you well for the future.