Du bist gut genug – You Are Good Enough
Welcome back from term break.
At our Junior School Assembly on 17 July, Junior School Captain Pranav Prasad delivered an encouraging speech that concluded with the German phrase Du bist gut genug — “You are good enough.”
Pranav captured an issue that often affects high-achieving students. Many find themselves constantly comparing their achievements, talents and abilities with those of others. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including anxiety, imposter syndrome, psychosomatic illnesses and, in the most serious cases, school avoidance.
What made Pranav’s speech especially memorable was that, instead of citing academic research or educational theory (which he was well placed to do), he drew inspiration from an unlikely source: Master Po Ping, or simply Po, the protagonist of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. As Pranav explained:
“Probably not the reference you expected from a school speech, but hear me out because honestly, I think Kung Fu Panda might actually explain this idea better than I can.
Near the end of the movie, Po finally earns his glorious Dragon Scroll. He thinks it’s going to reveal some ancient secret, something that explains why he was chosen, something that proves he is special.
But when he opens it, there is nothing. Absolutely nothing. He stares back at his own reflection.
Imagine training your whole life, finally getting the thing you’ve been waiting for, only to discover that the answer is essentially a blank piece of paper. Pretty rough, right? But eventually, Po realises something: there was never a secret ingredient. Thething he thought everyone else had, never actually existed.
And I think, in a way, we all do something similar. We convince ourselves that other people have something we don’t. More talent. More confidence. More direction. But most of the time, we are only seeing a small part of their story. Everyone is still figuring things out. Everyone is still learning. Everyone is still changing, even the people who seem to have everything together…
…And I think that’s something worth remembering this term.
You don’t need one achievement that suddenly makes you important. You don’t need to become the person sitting next to you, because they have already got that covered.
Melbourne High isn’t about creating a room full of identical successful people. It’s about giving everyone the opportunity to become the very best version of themselves.
The people we look up to don’t become special because they discovered some secret ingredient. They are special because they stopped searching for one. They realised there was never anything missing in the first place.
There is no moment when you suddenly become enough.
You are already enough.
Du bist gut genug.”
Pranav’s message is a timely reminder as we begin a new term: success is not about measuring ourselves against others but about striving to become the best version of ourselves. Each student brings unique strengths, talents and perspectives to our school community, and each has the capacity to make a meaningful contribution.
Combined Mac. Rob MHS Winter Concert
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s Combined Mac.Rob and MHS Winter Concert. Held at the magnificent Hamer Hall, the event provided students from both schools with the opportunity to showcase the extraordinary depth and breadth of musical talent within our communities.
Families, staff and guests were treated to an outstanding program featuring joint choirs, orchestras and smaller ensembles, highlighting the dedication, skill and creativity of our young musicians. The evening was a wonderful celebration of collaboration and excellence, demonstrating the power of music to bring our school communities together.
A sincere thank you to the music and technical staff who designed and delivered the program, led rehearsals, and provided the extensive behind-the-scenes support that ensured the concert’s success. Their commitment and professionalism made it possible for our students to perform at their very best and created a memorable experience for all who attended.
Art Master Class with Alumnus Hieu Nguyen (MHS Class of 2013)
Samuel Lin (10C) in a watercolour masterclass with Hieu Nguyen
At Friday’s assembly, our Junior School students were also treated to a presentation by alumnus Hieu Nguyen (MHS Class of 2013). In addition, a group of art students had the opportunity to participate in a watercolour masterclass and view a selection of works that Hieu has produced over the past decade.
Hieu, widely known by his artistic name KelogsLoops, has developed a distinctive style that blends traditional and digital techniques. His work has attracted an international following and showcases a unique artistic vision.
As described on his website, Hieu’s “works are often characterised by gilded gold leaf accents, flat graphic elements, stark negative space, expressive watercolour abstractions, and delicately rendered figures in soft realism”.1
VCE Expo
Thank you to Mr Bill Theodoropoulos, Ms Janet Devlin, Ms Anna Pilkington, Mr Joshua Slocombe and our faculty leaders for their leadership and support in delivering the 2026 VCE Expo.
All students have access to the VCE Information Booklet, which contains important information to assist with subject selection and VCE planning. Should you have any questions, please contact your Year Level Coordinator in the first instance, as they will be able to assist with most enquiries.
Indonesia Study Tour – Learning from Our Natural Environment
I recently returned from Indonesia, which included five unforgettable days in North Sulawesi exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary marine and rainforest ecosystems.
Guided by Canadian marine biologist Anthea Fleming, we participated in a series of workshops and lectures before applying our learning firsthand snorkelling through the region’s vibrant coral reefs. Along the way, we had the incredible opportunity to swim with sea turtles and, a few days later in Gorontalo, encounter whale sharks in their natural habitat.
One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was seeing conservation in action. Our students witnessed how local communities, working alongside regional and international experts, are restoring critical habitats and protecting endangered species to support long-term regeneration and biodiversity.
A visit to the Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve was another highlight. There, we observed rare primates and bird species while learning about the vital work being undertaken to increase population numbers and prevent extinction.
For the 35 students and 4 staff who took part, this was far more than an educational trip, it was an opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the importance of protecting our natural world.
Thank you to Ms Silvy Wantania for her leadership and to Mr Leong, Ms Slattery and Mr Owen who accompanied us on the trip.
Dr Tony Mordini
Principal