Reflecting on Diwali and the Year 12 Journey

In his latest vlog, our Head of School, Dr Geoff, shares his thoughts on recent events and the transformative Year 12 journey our students embark upon. 

With the joyous festival of Diwali still fresh in our minds, Dr Geoff begins by extending his heartfelt wishes to all, encouraging a deep sense of connection with loved ones and reflection upon this cherished celebration. He fondly reminisces about his own peaceful Diwali on holiday doing “nothing at all” – an experience he wholeheartedly recommends to all.

Dr Geoff emphasizes the significance of this crucial period, particularly for our Year 12 students. This pivotal year, filled with challenges and personal development, shapes our students into resilient individuals ready to conquer the world. He underscores the importance of this transformative journey that prepares our students for their future endeavours.

Dr Geoff then turns his attention to the remarkable BDMUN conference, a highlight of recent events. His eyes light up with enthusiasm as he describes the conference’s vibrant atmosphere, where impassioned debates, invaluable lessons, and students from various schools converged. The theme, deeply touched Dr Geoff, reminding us all of the restoration and revolution happening across the globe. He proudly acknowledges that MUN traditions, such as BDMUN, pave the path to peace by fostering dialogue, understanding, and the exploration of diverse perspectives.

In keeping with the joyful spirit, Dr Geoff recalls the celebration of Children’s Day. He emphasizes the necessity of cherishing the innocence and joy of childhood, especially in a world where it often feels fleeting. This poignant reminder echoes our school’s commitment to nurturing the child within, fostering an environment where growth, resilience, and happiness coexist.

The rhythm of school life continues with the recent festivities of prom and the upcoming grand event, “B.D. Idol.” Acknowledging that these activities go far beyond mere extracurriculars, Dr Geoff highlights their power to impart lessons in personal development and the unwavering support of our community.

With focus and utmost care, Dr Geoff addresses the heartfelt journey of our Year 12 students. As their internal assessments, extended essays, and university applications take centre stage, he commends the collaborative efforts of parents, students, and the career department. Together, they ensure that each student secures offers from prestigious institutions, where their path aligns with their ambitions and aspirations. Dr Geoff insists upon celebrating every individual achievement, no matter how big or small, as each student’s journey holds immense value and significance.

While the challenges presented by the pandemic have weighed heavily on mental health, Dr Geoff emphasizes our school’s unwavering commitment to well-being, aspiration, care, and support. This focus on holistic student development serves as a guiding light during uncertain times, nurturing the resilience and well-being of our students. He also expresses gratitude for the immense support offered by the parent-teacher association, praising their dedication to building a united and thriving learning community.

Dr Geoff concludes his vlog by wishing everyone a magnificent winter break and encourages them to embrace the challenges that the coming month presents. With unwavering support, he invites the entire community to empower our students to become their best selves.

Tribes for Good: Community Project

Through our partnership with Tribes For Good, Grade 11 student Vipanshi Agarwal designed and led a series of workshops for women with skills in beauty and makeup — combining financial literacy, confidence-building, and awareness of cruelty-free practices. What she found was that the skills were already there. What was missing was someone connecting those skills to the idea of income. This is her reflection on what it means to create impact, and what she learned when she stopped trying to teach and started listening.

Zine, Cosmetics of Capitalism – A passion project

Cosmetics of Capitalism began with two things that had always run parallel in Vipanshi’s life: a deep commitment to animal welfare and a growing curiosity about the economic systems that allow cruelty to persist. In this zine, Vipanshi Agarwal investigates the ethical and economic costs of animal testing in the cosmetics industry — an issue she argues is as much a business question as a moral one.