Rector’s eNews 28: 2 September 2026

One of the core principles of a Michaelhouse education is that we do not shy away from doing difficult things. In fact, we embrace challenges because we will learn lessons from them that those who do not step up to the challenge will never learn.

As we prepare to send the C Block boys on their Journey this weekend, I am reminded of the words of the post World War II psychologist, Viktor Frankl. Not for one moment am I suggesting that our boys will be subjected to the hardships that confronted Frankl in Auschwitz, but they will have moments where they will find things hard and where they may well have to dig deep.

There is a reason why the Journey is as long as it is because were it to be shorter, the temptation is to brace oneself – to proverbially hold one’s breath – until it is all over. Holding your breath does not teach you how to adapt or to embrace the challenge – only to endure it and to wish it away. We want our boys to be out for long enough where they are forced to make adjustments and to adapt – holding your proverbial breath is not an option. Acclimatising to the challenge is the intention. Learning to get comfortable in discomfort is the point.

That is not to say that the boys won’t have a brilliant experience and I expect that they will create many good memories, laugh a lot, have fun and deepen their friendships – all positive things – but Frankl’s teachings based on his experience as a holocaust survivor are poignant and relevant for our boys. He said this:

“…everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”

I hope each boy will remember those words that regardless of the circumstances the freedom to choose a response is entirely their own.

Frankl’s work was called Logotherapy a type of psychotherapy that focused on finding meaning and purpose. His work is best summed up in a short but immensely impactful book called Man’s Search for Meaning – a book I recommend most warmly. As our boys undertake this challenge – along with the various other challenges undertaken by different year groups – the purpose remains clear: to get to know themselves and their peers better; to test themselves and to gain confidence in their own ability to ensure and to overcome, and even to thrive when things are hard.

I also very much hope that the boys have a tremendous amount of fun and make memories to last a lifetime.

 

Medication

On a separate note, if your son is taking any form of medication, it must please be reported to the Sanatorium as it needs to be checked by our San Sisters. The boys will then be advised if they are able to keep their medicine in their rooms (i.e basic cold/flu remedies etc) or if the Sanatorium needs to keep and administer accordingly. This is very important to ensure our ongoing duty of care for your sons.

 

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