PRESHIL WEEKLY
Hello Preshil community,
Welcome to another edition of the Weekly!
Reflections from Dr Justin Coulson’s recent session highlighted the importance of supported autonomy in helping young people develop resilience. When young people are embedded in a strong, connected community that nurtures independence and personal growth, they become more capable of navigating the complexities of an ever-changing world.
This kind of resilience is deeply woven into the fabric of our school’s values. To be courageous, to be kind, to be collaborative — all of these require our young people to engage with life in an active and resilient way.
I was particularly struck by the idea that being part of a diverse community — with its wide range of perspectives, passions, abilities, and beliefs — will naturally involve connection but also tension. And that’s not only normal, it’s healthy. These moments of challenge and discomfort are not something to be avoided; they are a fundamental part of what it means to be human. Learning to navigate differences, negotiate perspectives, and sit with discomfort are essential skills in developing thoughtful, capable, and resilient individuals.
At the same time, community doesn’t only bring tension — it brings connection, purpose, and a deep sense of belonging. These are the cornerstones of wellbeing, and they form the foundation upon which true resilience is built.
Dr Coulson’s message resonated deeply with our school’s mission: To foster a community that supports students to forge a path for themselves, informed by their passions and talents. In a world that increasingly values frictionless, transactional experiences. We offer an alternative. At Preshil, we recognise that being human is far from frictionless. Real growth happens not in the absence of challenge, but through it. By embracing healthy stress and gentle pressure — never distress — we help our students grow stronger, more capable, and more connected.
Warmly,
Aaron Mackinnon
Principal
R U OK Day
We celebrated, ‘R U OK? Day’ by running an activity on Thursday 11th. The activity involved students sharing ways they do and don’t like to be checked in on by friends/family. On top of this we had a guess the lollies in the jar and lots of free giveaways (wristbands, pamphlets, and yellow lollies).
Congratulations to our first Year 7 & 8 online debating team for 2025!
Violet, Luca and James argued against the motion “That it should be compulsory for fast food to have plain packaging” with skill and conviction. The adjudicator praised their rebuttal as “the best thematic rebuttal by a negative team they had heard this year”, with James named Best Speaker of the debate!
A big thank you to Ethan and Hamish for mentoring the team.
Justin Coulson visits Preshil
Last night, we were privileged to hear from Justin Coulson on fostering resilience in our children. We explored the factors that can contribute to mental health challenges in youth, and how resilience is actually our default state. The key to nurturing this resilience lies in cultivating a strong sense of identity, competence, community, and belonging. At the heart of resilience is connection—it thrives in relationships and cannot be developed in isolation.
Justin also emphasized the importance of stepping into discomfort and embracing the learning process. By spending time in the “uncomfortable” space, children—and adults—can develop mastery and confidence. As he put it, there is no triumph without trial.
It was a thought-provoking evening filled with practical insights to support the mental and emotional growth of our children, reminding us that resilience is not only possible but can be intentionally nurtured. Most importantly, it was a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and support one another in this critical domain of parenting.
Preshil Quiz Night – Wednesday 17th September 7 – 9pm
Join us for a fun, relaxed evening just for adults! Hosted by the always brilliant Brian Nankervis (of RocKwiz fame), this trivia quiz night promises laughs, friendly competition, and a great excuse to let your hair down.
Costumes encouraged (but totally optional!), come as something starting with the letter P.
Only ticket sales remaining (grazing box orders now closed). BYO drinks, alcohol permitted.
Preshil T-Shirts
Built for school days, gigs, galleries and weekends we’ve made Preshil gear you’ll actually want to wear. T-shirts, hoodies and more that celebrate creativity, agency and our golden eagle—no uniform required. Wear it your way. Merchandise for originals, not conformity.
Preshil Careers Hub
Discover everything you need to make a successful transition through high school and into the ‘real world’. Sign up to receive our Pathways & Careers Newsletters, access the latest guides on life and money management, work experience opportunities, and parent resources. You can also connect with the Careers and Pathways Team for personalised support. Click the link below for more information on Preshil’s Careers Hub.
THE WEEK AHEAD
- All Day: Blackhall – Year 12 IB Mock Exams
- 11:00am – 1:30pm: Blackhall – Year 10 VM, VCE and DP to visit David Rosetsky Plural Selves Exhibition – Hawthorn
- All Day: Blackhall – Year 12 IB Mock Exams
- 8:00am – 5:00pm: Blackhall – Year 9 & 10 Alice Miller Music Camp – Macedon
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Let’s Go Lunchtime – CAGE
- 3:45pm – 4:45pm: Arlington Kindergarten 2026 Expo
- 8:45am – 11:15am: Blackhall – Year 7 & 8 Inter School Volleyball – Brighton East
- 9:15am – 10:45am: Arlington Open Morning
- 7:00pm – 9:00pm: Parents Quiz Night
- 1:00pm – 3:15pm: Blackhall – Japanese Vertical Elective visit Kimono House – Melbourne City
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Let’s Go Lunchtime – CAGE
- 1:45pm – 2:15pm: Blackhall – Student Leadership and Shark Tank Meeting – Hades
- 1:30pm – 2:15pm: Arlington Doorstep Concert
