At 91短视频, multiculturalism and diversity have always been part of our personal and social vernacular. But what is its importance? Why do we place such value on ensuring boys study, play and socialise within a diverse context and how does the concept of multiculturalism and diversity play out in a broader context?

Whilst many believe econometric assessments such as ATAR rankings or IB points are representative of successful education, these metrics do not provide a meaningful nor sustained solution. As a local school with a global outlook, we must provide a values-based school environment where through soul and character, educating boys is about preparing them to graduate and make a tangible difference in a world that locally and globally is far from harmonious.

Engendering diversity as a lived reality for adolescent boys is essential and challenging, but a goal which must stay on course. 聽

It is important to understand that schools are not the sole influence on a boy鈥檚 understanding of this important concept if they are exposed to counter cultural discussions around their dining table or from external adults and peers which does not align with what their school is trying to achieve. Evidence and boys themselves have suggested they strongly internalise messages from some adults, peers and social media.

Diversity as a strength

Harmony Week, held this year from 16鈥�22 March 2026, is Australia鈥檚 annual celebration of cultural diversity and the shared benefits it brings to our community. It included the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (21 March), reminding us that belonging, respect and inclusivity are not only social values but moral responsibilities.

As an initiative of the Australian Government and led by the Department of Home Affairs, Harmony Week is more than a date in the calendar, it is an invitation to reflect on who we are as a nation and who we aspire to be.

Australia鈥檚 cultural richness is one of our greatest strengths. Built upon over 65,000 years of First Nations cultures, our modern identity has been shaped by migrants from nearly 300 different ancestries. According to ABS statistics, since 1945 alone, more than 7.6 million people have chosen to make Australia home.

Today, more than half of Australians (51.5%) were either born overseas or have a parent who was. We speak more than 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, and beyond English, the most widely spoken languages include Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese and Punjabi. Nearly every country is represented in our population.

This is not simply just mundane statistics nor interesting trivia; it is a powerful story about who we are. An integrated, multicultural Australia is central to our identity. Every person who arrives brings traditions, beliefs, stories and ways of seeing the world. When combined with the traditions they adopt here, our shared national story becomes richer, more textured, and more deeply human.

Microcosms of a broader society

For schools, Harmony Week holds special significance. Schools are microcosms of the broader society, and classrooms today are more culturally diverse than at any point in our history.

Over my 15 years at 91短视频, through a targeted admissions strategy, I have witnessed a significant shift in the diversity of our own enrolment profile. This diversity is not a challenge to be managed; it is an opportunity to be embraced when educating boys in an increasingly complex world.

When students learn in culturally diverse environments, they gain more than knowledge, they develop empathy, global awareness, adaptability and an intercultural understanding. These are the very capabilities that define future鈥憆eady learners and sit at the heart of educating our boys for a global society.

A local school, with a global outlook

At 91短视频 we proudly promote that we are a local school with an international outreach, evidence by our commitment to three core strategies. Firstly, starting our own online sub school, , secondly, by offering the PYP and Diploma programmes and finally, through our membership of the group of schools.

In an increasingly interconnected world, young people will enter workplaces, universities and communities that are global in every sense. They will collaborate with people across borders, solve problems that cross cultures, and navigate perspectives that differ from their own.

Schools that intentionally celebrate and harness cultural diversity help students build the mindset and skills needed for this global context. Diversity in schools teaches students how to listen, how to understand viewpoints shaped by different life experiences, and how to communicate across cultures with respect and confidence.

Harmony Week reminds us that belonging does not mean becoming the same. In fact, the opposite is true. Belonging grows strongest when individuality is respected and celebrated.

By valuing our students鈥� diverse backgrounds, languages, and stories, we send the clear message that who you are matters, and what you bring enriches all of us. One of our great academic challenges in schools is to maintain an unapologetic focus on second languages, not simply to achieve a year 12 score, but to open the world to our students both linguistically and culturally.

In a world where radical views, racism and violence appear to have an ever-increasing acceptance, leading to disastrous outcomes for so many, it is critical that we not just reflect on Harmony Week but reinforce its very meaning.

Let us reaffirm our commitment to building school communities where every student feels seen, valued and included, recognising that educating boys in this way is both a responsibility and a privilege. In doing so, we honour Australia鈥檚 multicultural identity, whilst preparing young people to thrive as compassionate contributors and leaders in a truly global world.

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March 8, 2026, marks International Women鈥檚 Day, themed Balancing the Scales, a call to create a world where opportunities, safety, and respect for women and girls are neither optional or conditional, but embedded, equitable, and enduring.

The theme invites us to move beyond awareness toward active rebalancing, examining the structures, habits, and cultural norms that skew the scales.

The reminds us why this work remains urgent:

鈥淓nsuring women鈥檚 and girls鈥� rights across all aspects of life is essential to building just, resilient, and sustainable societies for future generations.鈥�

The role of all boys’ schools

As a single鈥慻ender school for boys, this challenge is not peripheral, it must be central.

Boys鈥� schools are often criticised or misunderstood in conversations about gender equality, as though separation by gender diminishes our capacity or commitment to progress. This is an outdated concept, and one used to speak up against single-gender boys鈥� schools.

Boys鈥� schools hold a uniquely influential role. Our students are at the age where values are forming, character is shaped and ethical foundations are set.

Our students are sons, brothers, friends, and future partners. They witness firsthand the strength, intellect, love, and leadership of the women in their own lives. What they learn here, how to listen, how to empathise, how to treat others with dignity, will determine the kind of men they become and the kind of society they help build.

Balancing the scales and gender equality is not a woman鈥檚 issue. It is a societal issue, and therefore, a man鈥檚 issue too.

The role of fathers, husbands, and sons

My own commitment to balancing the scales is deeply personal. As a leader, a citizen, and the father of a daughter, my belief in fairness and equity is foundational.

Professionally, I stand where I do because several exceptional women took risks on my behalf, entrusted me with responsibility, and shaped my leadership more profoundly than they may ever know.

My mother鈥檚 clear and stoic encouragement created possibilities, and my partner, Janny, whose abilities surpass my own in countless ways, made sacrifices when we were young parents that enabled my career to continue and flourish.

Many of our grandfathers, fathers, students and graduates could tell stories just like this.

Intentional action at 91短视频 Perth

In recent years, I have had the privilege of engaging internationally on issues of respect, consent, and modern masculinity, including speaking at the London conference in 2023 on fostering respectful relationships in boys鈥� schools.

These conversations affirm what we know to be true:

If society seeks to balance the scales, we must teach boys not only to respect women, but to stand alongside them in building a more just world.

At 91短视频, we are commited to ongoing and intentional efforts in influencing a culture that seeks to balance the scales. We:

• embed respectful鈥憆elationships education deeply across our curriculum
• partner meaningfully with external experts
• collaborate with our local girls鈥� schools including PLC, MLC, St Hilda鈥檚, and others in shaping shared learning
• support and celebrate the remarkable women on our staff who model leadership, courage, and professionalism every day

International Women鈥檚 Day offers a moment to pause, but it must also propel us forward.

Balancing the scales requires more than symbolism; it requires sustained commitment, honest reflection, and daily action.

The responsibility we carry to raise young men who value, protect, uplift, and collaborate with women is profound. It is one we embrace wholeheartedly.

Much work remains; but with purpose and integrity, we can empower our boys to become men who help balance the scales, not by shifting power away from others, but by ensuring it is shared fairly, respectfully, and justly.

At 91短视频, gender equality is not a side conversation; it is part of who we are, what we value, and the future in which we are preparing our boys to lead with balance, purpose and respect.

Dr Alec O’Connell
Headmaster

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  Headmaster’s Blog

  The role of boys鈥� schools in balancing the scales

  March 9, 2026March 9, 2026

  Balancing the scales March 8, 2026, marks International Women鈥檚 Day, themed Balancing the Scales, a call to create a world where opportunities, safety, and respect for women and girls are neither optional or conditional, but embedded, …

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  Community

  The power of language

  March 8, 2026March 9, 2026

  How the words we choose shape equality, culture and the future. As young men, you have influence. The question is not whether you will shape the culture around you 鈥� you will. The question is how …

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  Headmaster’s Blog

  Respectful relationships and gender equality

  May 6, 2024March 9, 2026

  Respectful relationships and gender equality Headmaster’s Blog Dear Parents and Guardians, The issue of domestic violence against women, regrettably, is not new to our society. As I read of yet another female death at the hands …

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At a recent Senior School assembly, I spoke to our boys about the importance and significance of the term 鈥楽ervant Leadership鈥�. Robert K. Greenleaf coined this term in his seminal 1970 essay at Gonzaga University, USA titled The Servant as Leader.  

The challenge of being a servant leader remains as important today as when it was first spoken about.  Why should we promote and support service at 91短视频, the answer is simple on many fronts.

The purpose of service at 91短视频?

Service develops identity and moral purpose, it teaches empathy and humility, it develops future leaders who will lead for the right reasons and it is counter cultural to the current social media focus promoting individualism such as influencers.

Most importantly, as COVID showed us, it reinforces that schools are humanising social institutions, not just academic factories.

A good society is built by people who choose to serve first. When a school makes service foundational, not peripheral and optional, it does more than teach, it forms their students as people who care.

It develops hearts that are empathetic, minds that are deliberately caring, and young people ready to lead lives that strengthen the common good. Through service, boys learn that leadership is not a position they attain but a responsibility they embrace.

2026 World’s Greatest Shave

A significant part of who we are at 91短视频 is defined by our commitment to the service of those who are facing health or other challenges in their lives.

Our Service captain, Jack Mayo, recently launched the College’s appeal at an assembly to get behind the World’s Greatest Shave for 2026. Our College has become renowned for its support and success in raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

At this assembly, we were fortunate enough to be joined by members from the Leukaemia Foundation to highlight just how important fundraising events such as World’s Greatest Shave is to those suffering from this insidious disease, and for the family members who support their loved ones through their battle with the disease.

I look forward to the boys delivering yet another amazing outcome.

Swimming carnival success

Finally, let me express my gratitude to the students, staff, and the many parent and family supporters who combined to make our Middle and Senior School swimming carnivals an overwhelming success over the previous fortnight.

I am confident that the upcoming Junior School swimming carnival will be equally enjoyable. I have been attending such carnivals since 1982 when I commenced teaching. While these events involve a lot of work for many people, they offer one of the many opportunities to bring students together to have fun and participate in healthy Inter-House rivalry.

Congratulations and thanks to everyone. One of the key goals coming out of our carnivals is to identify those boys who will go on to represent the college at the JPSSA and PSA swimming carnivals.

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It is important to remember that the journey to Year 12 includes significant touch points from many teachers across many years.

World Teachers’ Day

We know there are many great things that go together to make 91短视频 a great school and community. In Australia we celebrate World Teachers’ Day on 31 October, on this day we acknowledge the valuable work of teachers in classrooms and other educational environments.

This year, like every year at 91短视频, we acknowledge and thank the work of all teachers across the globe for the role they play in shaping the bright future of the next generation.

Utilising the opportunity to remember just how important our teachers are to the development of our students in Pre-Kindergarten through to when they graduate in Year 12.

A 91短视频 educator

91短视频 is a school with world-class facilities, the latest technology, a strong parent body and a dynamic curriculum, but the real jewels in the crown are our teachers.

The level of personal and professional commitment is as high as I have witnessed throughout my own professional career.

Everyday 1,600 students are entrusted into the care and leadership of over 220 teachers here at 91短视频. I am proud to lead some of the finest teachers in the country at our very own school, whose expertise and dedication to their field is second to none.

But it is what our teachers do beyond the classroom that makes them invaluable.

The extra mile 鈥� knowing the boy

At 91短视频, our teachers don’t just teach. They build relationships and trust. They empathise. They show compassion, care and respect for the individuals they teach every day. Most importantly, they shape lives.

I’m sure everyone can cast their minds back to school days and recall a favourite teacher and I bet that teacher did more than just teach you the fundamentals of history or maths. That teacher inspired you, cared for you in times of challenge and inspired you to be a better person. That teacher created a safe space for you to learn and explore the world.

Beyond curriculum, framework and textbook.

On World Teachers’ Day, Friday 31 October, I read something about the memories of great teachers. In essence, it came down to one simple fact: they brought the subject to life and made it fun. So, what does it mean to be a teacher?

The answer goes far beyond any curriculum framework or textbook. Not only are our teachers teaching fundamental skills to our students, but also inadvertently acting as role models, leaders and people to aspire to. That is what makes a great teacher, and in turn, a great school.

On the home stretch

I mentioned earlier about our Year 12s having commenced their exams.

As the graduating class commence their second week of exams, I ask all families to keep our boys in their thoughts and prayers over the coming few weeks. We know they have been well prepared and will perform well.

Dr A J O’Connell
Headmaster

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Pictured above: Bennell (Year 10), Heath (Year 9) and Ben (Year 12) performing alongside our College Concert Band

What is Reconciliation Week?

Each year, between 27 May and 3 June, Australians come together to mark National Reconciliation Week. This week is a time to reflect, learn, and grow as a nation. At 91短视频, it holds deep significance as we honour the histories, cultures, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and reaffirm our commitment to truth-telling, healing, and unity.

Significance behind the dates

While the week begins on 27 May, 26 May is also a day of national significance as it is marked by National Sorry Day and commemorates the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997.

The origins of Reconciliation Week

Reconciliation Week began in 1996, initiated by the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. Its dates are not arbitrary; they are anchored in two pivotal milestones in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation.

Reconciliation at 91短视频

Formal opening of our Clontarf Academy

At 91短视频, Reconciliation Week started a little earlier with the formal opening of our Clontarf Academy last Thursday.

The College and Clontarf Foundation are both excited by this new model of placing a Clontarf Academy in an independent boarding school, and CEO Gerard Neesham spoke passionately about the potential for the link with 91短视频.

Early feedback from families has also been glowing about the support and structure that having an academy at 91短视频 has brought. As Clontarf Academy Director and Old 91短视频 Collegian (2010) Nic Munro said,

Reconciliation Week is a reminder that our culture is strong. It’s a chance to share who we are, to be heard, and to ask others to walk with us. The Clontarf Foundation plays a vital role in this journey by supporting Indigenous young men to embrace their identity, achieve through education, and lead with pride – building a future where culture and opportunity go hand in hand.

Sir Doug Nicholls Round and Indigenous PSA Round

The AFL’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round included two of our boys, Bennell and Ben, dancing before the Waalitj Marawar (West Coast Eagles) versus Euro-Yroke (St Kilda) game.

The College also hosted its own indigenous round last weekend against Aquinas, where we honoured our location next to Galbamaanup (Lake Claremont) and had a particularly moving smoking ceremony overseen by Barry Winmar.

Literature on reconciliation and the journey of Aboriginal people in Australia

As part of our commitment to education and understanding, 91短视频 Perth encourages students and families to engage with literature that supports empathy and reconciliation.

Below is a curated list of age-appropriate books that explore Australia’s shared history, the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the journey toward healing and mutual respect.

Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster

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For families from the city, the concept of sending your 12 to 13-year-old son away to receive an education may seem very foreign.

However, for many of our rural and international families, 91短视频 offers the opportunity for their son to study, grow and flourish. I do not doubt that many parents would have their sons stay and complete their education locally if they were afforded opportunities of a similar calibre to 91短视频. For many, this is simply not a reality. Furthermore, capital city boarding schools are seeing an increase in mid-week boarding for many reasons, besides geographic isolation.

Whilst working and living in a university residential college myself for ten years, six as the Head and CEO of Trinity Residential College, I met over 350 students a year who had previously attended boarding school.

Over dinner conversations and corridor catch-ups, I was privy to the myriad reasons why students had chosen to attend a Perth boarding school to complete their high school education before moving into a residential college for their tertiary studies.

Why boarding?

There are many reasons why parents choose to send their children to boarding school. Undoubtedly, the main reason for both regional and international families (and indeed some city families) is to provide their child with greater educational opportunities.

For families living in rural communities, their ‘local’ option may be some distance from home and necessitate several hours of travel each day.

International families might seek English language fluency or a different cultural experience for their child as a prerequisite to overseas tertiary education. Sending your child to boarding school is not an easy decision. Leaving aside the financial commitment, it can be a major pull on the heartstrings.

The benefits of boarding

Notwithstanding the obvious challenges for families and boys, there are many benefits to boarding school that can have a lifelong impact on a boy’s educational journey. These are some of the benefits of boarding.

In essence, the boarding community at 91短视频 offers many rewarding and ongoing experiences that undoubtedly add to our College’s goal of ‘preparing boys for life’.

Having said all of this, the greatest benefit of having boarders is to the whole day school, who get to have the boarders and their families as part of the community 鈥� and all the uniqueness and diversity this brings.

Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster

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With all sports, the word reward is usually associated with victory. As Headmaster, I understand this, but there are so many more reasons and benefits that come from choosing to be part of a rowing programme than the simple metric of a trophy. If not, seven schools every year should question why they put in so much hard work.

Never having been a rower myself, I have come to see that it is an excellent sport that offers numerous benefits for character development, physical fitness, and teamwork.

Character Development

Physical Fitness

Teamwork

When one thinks of what we hope to achieve in the education of our boys, being part of the College’s rowing programme will deliver your son lifelong discipline and friendship and provide them with a skill that they can utilise throughout their life’s journey.

Overall, rowing is a sport that not only enhances physical fitness but also builds character and fosters teamwork.

It’s a holistic activity that benefits both the body and the mind, making it an excellent choice for personal development and team building.

Dr A J O’Connell
Headmaster

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While penning this copy of Thistle, several of our Year 12 boarders journey down south to complete the final stage of their ‘End to Enders’ Bibbulmun Track programme. A programme they commenced in Year 7, and one they choose to complete each year until the culmination which takes place as they are piped into Albany this Saturday.

A couple of weeks ago, our Year 5 boys proudly received their leadership badges at a special ceremony attended by our School Captain and me. Our Year 5s are in their final year of Junior School, and this time represents a special rite of passage as our senior boys in the Junior School, sharing an important role of mentoring and role modelling for our boys from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 4.

Pictured: Year 12 students mentored our Year 5 students about what it means to be a leader.

In the same week, our Year 9s and their House Heads, House Captains and other support staff travelled to Rottnest to participate in their annual House programme orientation. This special four day programme is geared at facilitating a deeper connection to their Senior School houses which will become integral to their journey and ultimately their graduation as Year 12s.

Pictured: Year 9 Ferguson students on the Rottnest Camp

Finally, last Saturday night our Year 12s had their College Ball. As the School Captain Val Davies reflected, these moments are both exciting and nostalgic as throughout the year this group of Year 12s will participate in many rites of passage for the last time at 91短视频.

The night was an amazing example of the importance of sharing a special time with friends, partners, parents and staff. Thanks to everyone who volunteered over so many months to make the event so special for our young men.

Schools should ensure that rites of passages are not accidental, but commonplace and built into a boy’s journey through school. Such rites need to be well planned and sequenced accordingly.

In essence to be truly meaningful, rites of passages should compose some common elements such as:

• Community involvement 鈥� including parents, staff, friends and family will add depth and meaning to the event.
• Symbolism 鈥� including special symbols, rituals and even clothing (i.e. special ball attire, leadership blazers) will make events more memorable and special.
• Liminality 鈥� each stage may pose challenges, such as walking the whole bib track, participating in activities while on camp that may not be in one’s comfort zone, and school leaders having to challenge fellow students if their behaviour does not match expectation.
• Reflection 鈥� providing time to reflect and discuss an activity to highlight what it meant for them personally and as a group. Reflection assists the students to grow and mature.

Throughout 2025 our boys, and young men will no doubt get the chance to participate in formal and informal rites of passages as we help them to navigate their schooling and personal journey while at 91短视频.

Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster

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Christmas 鈥� sometimes a time of juxtaposition

At this time of the year there is a perception, especially where we live and work, that Christmas is a time that marks wonderment, holidays, travel, and in general a time of celebration for everyone. Sadly, the reality of Christmas can create quite contrary emotions.

For many families across our state, nation and globe, the concept of celebrations, shopping and spending, gift giving, and families coming together in community, can in fact remind many of what they do not have, more than what they do have.

In today’s world some so-called leaders will still be resorting to the use of divisive and belittling language about humanity and many in the community who face multiple challenges.

There is an old saying that until you have walked in the shoes of others, then you will never really articulate what you have, or more importantly what others do not possess. Empathy is such an important emotion.

Empathy prompts Christians to consider the needs and concerns of others, and in essence is all about understanding and sharing other people’s feelings. The Bible is filled with verses that teach you how important it is to care for each other, to be compassionate, and to show kindness.

By embracing empathy, you can connect more deeply with others, offer your support, and make a positive impact on the world around you Philippians 2:4 (ESV) poses a challenge to us:

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Hugh McKay, in The Kindness Revolution: How we can restore hope, rebuild trust, and inspire optimism, has this to say:

Only those who have been on the receiving end of poverty, unemployment, homelessness, mental illness, domestic violence, racism, sexism, or ageism can fully identify with others’ reactions to those distressing experiences. Only those who have been members of a marginalised minority can fully appreciate how that feels.

Yes, it is important that we can enjoy and celebrate all the joys that Christmas will bring for our community. It is also important that we continue to look for ways to assist those who are not as fortunate either through thoughts or prayer.

Of course, many families give to the numerous Church Christmas Appeals, and no doubt other appeals in our community. Fortunately, this time of the year does bring the best out of humanity.

In a rapidly moving world, with many challenges, let us all take time to spend with those we most love, realising that it is the people in our lives who sustain us each day.

Merry Christmas

Dr Alec J O’Connell
Headmaster

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March Out represents a moment in time where our Year 12s leave the ring fence of 91短视频 and move into their new world as a member of the almost 16,000 strong Old 91短视频 Collegians and, based on the values and experiences to which they have been exposed at 91短视频, go on to forge a new life after school.

It is the day when we place our boys on the starting line, where hopefully we have trained and prepared them for what comes next 鈥� ‘life’.

In my view, March Out is the seminal event on our school calendar and seems to draw bigger crowds every year.

The day is special not just because we say farewell to the Year 12s, but because it is one of the few times a year when our whole school (PK 鈥� 12) comes together. We do so because we want to say thanks and wish the Year 12s farewell.

For our young boys, it provides yet another great moment for them to experience aspirational achievement and leadership as they watch our Year 12s march out and commence their next journey.

This ceremony is just one of the many rites of passage that we have at 91短视频. As Dr Arne Rubenstein highlights,

“Our lack of formal rites of passage has meant young men are learning how to be a man through the media and the internet”.

His position is simple, that as a society, we can create contemporary rites of passage where teenage boys are challenged to consider the sort of men they are going to become.

Maggie Dent, in her most recent book highlights the challenges facing teens through the words of Joseph Campbell a mystic and philosopher who describes adolescence as ‘a major life transition which is a hero’s journey because it is a metaphorical journey of loss, challenge, growth and renewal’.

Dr Alec O’Connell
Headmaster

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