We will soon be saying farewell to our Year 12 students and one thing I always marvel at during this time of year is how much they have grown since their inception as Year 7 boys. The physical aspects are obvious, however, it is within their individual characters that stands out the most: these are young men with purpose, ready to take on the world.

But how, as parents, can we help to foster this growth in our young boys so that they will be healthy individuals who can look life in the face and be ready for what the future brings? As a parent of two young boys, one who will be starting at Eddie’s next year, I understand first-hand the desire to protect our children from the hardships of life. However, we must remember that true growth often comes from facing and overcoming challenges. At our school, we aim to foster not just resilience but anti-fragility in our boys – helping them to become stronger and more capable through adversity, rather than being weakened by it. As Warren Farrell, author of The Boy Crisis, wisely notes, “Boys who are overly protected from failure are denied the essential experiences that forge character.” By shielding our sons from difficulties (although well-intentioned), we may inadvertently hinder their development. Instead, we should encourage them to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and emerge stronger on the other side. This approach not only benefits our boys but also contributes to a more resilient society.

The next few weeks will be special for our Year 12 students, and we know that the challenges they overcame in their time here will serve them well in their lives.