Being Bold at Burgmann
By Cath Amesbury
“True boldness is rooted in kindness and empathy.”
At Burgmann, being bold is more than bravery. It is about standing up for yourself and others with kindness, courage and integrity. This August, two key initiatives are helping our community live out these values: the Butterfly Foundation’s Body Kind Month and Bullying No Way Week (11 to 15 August).
What it Means to Be Bold
Being bold is a life skill. It is using your voice when it matters most, speaking up against injustice, supporting a friend or setting healthy boundaries. It is showing character, even when no one is watching.
Our School Keys, Learn, Grow, Connect and Contribute, provide the foundation for developing these qualities:
- Learn – Understand your rights, your worth and how to advocate for yourself and others.
- Grow – Build resilience and confidence through challenges and reflection.
- Connect – Foster strong, respectful relationships where everyone feels safe and valued.
- Contribute – Take action to improve your school and community
Boldness in Action
We teach and encourage boldness and kindness through class lessons and targeted wellbeing activities. These qualities are not opposites, they work together. It takes courage to be kind in the face of cruelty, and strength to speak up when silence is easier.
“It takes courage to be kind in the face of cruelty, and strength to speak up when silence is easier.”
This week, students across the school are demonstrating boldness in different ways:
- Junior School – Grow Your Mind lessons, plus our wise Kindergarten students celebrating 100 days of Kindy.
- Middle School – Year 8 Camp at Bluegum Lodge, building resilience and relationships through experiential learning.
- Senior School – Winter Sleepout for the Anglicare Winter Appeal, raising awareness and funds for those in need.
Be Safe. Be Heard.
Students can use the Be Safe. Be Heard reporting system to share concerns, seek help or report bullying. This confidential platform ensures every voice is heard and every student feels supported.
Further Learning for Students and Parents
Continue the conversation at home with these resources:
- Body Kind Schools Hub – Butterfly Foundation
- Bullying. No Way! – Student and Parent Resources
- Burgmann’s Parent Wellbeing Portal
Let’s nurture a culture where boldness is celebrated, not as loudness or dominance, but as the quiet strength to speak up and do what is right.
A Co-educational Independent School located in Gungahlin, ACT.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal peoples as the traditional keepers on the land on which we gather. We recognise and honour their wisdom and education traditions. We commit ourselves to actively working towards reconciliation, stepping forward with grace, commitment and wisdom on this journey.