Deputy Principal, Term 2 Week 2 2026
Global Connections: Learning Beyond the Classroom
Over the recent holidays, a group of 16 students and three staff embarked on a Chinese Language and Cultural Tour that brought learning vividly to life. More than a study trip, it was an immersion into history, language, relationships, and personal growth, an experience that reflects the very heart of a Pulteney education.
Chinese Language Ambassador Fraser Kennedy captured the essence of the journey in his reflection:
“At the start of the trip, many of us were observers… but as the trip progressed, that began to change.”
From iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund, students gained insight into China’s rich heritage and rapid modernisation. Yet I know that it was the more personal experiences that proved most transformative.
A defining highlight was the opportunity to share meals with local families. What began as polite exchanges quickly became moments of genuine connection—students asking questions, sharing stories, and bravely using their language skills. As Fraser noted, “It showed how language learning becomes meaningful when it is used to build relationships.”
The homestay experience in Ji’nan deepened this understanding. Living alongside host families and engaging in local school life required adaptability and resilience. Through shared routines and conversations, students built authentic connections, supported by humour, curiosity, and mutual respect. These partnerships with international families are invaluable, fostering global understanding and relationships that extend well beyond the duration of the trip. Students said these days were the highlight of the tour. Students discovered that communication is not about perfection, but about confidence, persistence, and openness.
Equally significant was the development of independence and teamwork. Students grew in confidence as they navigated daily challenges, while also demonstrating care and responsibility for one another, strengthening the collective experience.
Fraser reflected:
“This is what it means to be Navy Blue off campus. It is not just about where you go, but how you engage, with curiosity, respect, and a willingness to step into the unfamiliar.”
This spirit of connection and service is also evident in our ANZAC commemorative Tour to France, which returns tomorrow which embraced the performing arts. Through performances in historic settings, students not only shared their talents with international communities but also honoured the memory of Old Scholars who lost their lives in World War I. Engaging with this history gave students a profound sense of continuity, recognising their place within a broader story that spans generations. Our connection with Fromelles has seen us invited to the town for ANZAC day and a community concert by the mayor. Fromelles is a place of major pilgrimage for Australians visiting the Western Front, representing both the extreme sacrifice and the ongoing commitment to identifying and honouring those who fought there.
Music became a bridge: connecting past to present, school to community, and Australia to the wider world. These performances were acts of service as much as artistry, offering reflection, respect, and shared humanity.
Together, these international experiences highlight the enduring value of global engagement at Pulteney. Whether through language, music, or cultural exchange, students learn that true understanding comes from participation, empathy, and connection.
They return not only with memories, but with broadened perspectives, deeper cultural awareness, and the confidence to engage meaningfully with the world, today and into the future.
Deb Dalwood
Deputy Principal