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I trust this message finds you immersed in positivity and vibrant energy.

Recently, I had the honour of attending a conference in Brisbane, a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow educators and explore diverse schools. Among these enriching experiences, one particular visit resonated deeply with me, and I am excited to share its essence with all of you.

While in Brisbane, I had the pleasure of reuniting with a dear colleague, Meagan King, Deputy Principal at Canterbury College. Meagan’s infectious enthusiasm and unwavering dedication to nurturing a positive atmosphere left an indelible mark. She graciously invited me to a Senior School assembly when she spoke to her students.

Meagan’s narrative unveiled a heartwarming tale centred around Scarlett, a spirited young girl, and her mother, Tiania. Through the medium of TikTok, they harnessed the power of daily self-affirmations to radiate positivity. The simplicity yet profound impact of affirmations like “I love my hair,” “I am beautiful,” “I am a superhero,” and “I love my brown skin” reverberated through the assembly hall, evoking smiles and a sense of warmth. You can experience the uplifting video here.

What left an indelible mark was Meagan’s call to action for her students. She posed a question that stirred deep introspection: when did we, as adolescents and adults, cease celebrating our individual strengths and embracing our uniqueness? This thought-provoking inquiry led me to ponder the influence of cultural norms on this perspective. 

Does our Australian culture unintentionally distance us from self-affirmation, or is there more to uncover? Should we overcome our inhibitions and embrace the power of positive self-praise?

With this reflection in mind, I urge every member of the Tranby Community — students, staff, families and friends — to embrace the transformative power of positive self-affirmations. Today, I state with unwavering confidence, affirming that “I am loved,” “I am intelligent,” “I am compassionate,” “I am courageous,” and “I am worthy.” 

Let us rekindle these truths within ourselves and bask in the radiance of positivity that resides within each of us.

Meagan’s insight delved further. She shared that the mother often faced unkind remarks in some of Scarlett and Tiania’s TikTok reels. This highlights a concerning trend — the prevalence of negativity within our digital spaces. As we navigate the intricacies of social media, the ease with which hurtful comments are shared, often without consideration for their impact, is disheartening. It reminds me of a valuable lesson my mother instilled: “If you lack kindness in your words, it’s best to say nothing at all.” These words hold even greater significance in our current digital age.

In light of this, Meagan introduced me to an empowering approach — a philosophy perfectly aligned with the sensibilities of our tech-savvy Generation Alphas and screenagers — ‘Just Scroll On.’ This succinct phrase encapsulates a profound truth: if our words lack kindness or constructive intent, it’s wise to move forward gracefully. Let’s embrace this principle not only in our virtual interactions but also in our everyday encounters. When our words lack positivity or value, let us move forward with grace and just scroll on.

And so, to our dear Tranby Community Members, I extend a heartfelt challenge to you all — to wholeheartedly embrace the magic of positive affirmations and to embody the mantra of ‘Just Scroll On.’ 

Through this, we can uplift ourselves and those around us, fostering a digital and real-world environment adorned with kindness, empathy, and encouragement.