So much more than ‘just’ a holiday

Dean of Operations

'The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page’—Saint Augustine

Often, a particular activity, smell, or sound can trigger a vivid recollection of a memory—transporting you to a past time, place, or person. These moments tend to sneak up on you, often igniting a wave of nostalgia that reminds you of past experiences.

At the beginning of each term, I like to ask my class about their holidays. The responses I receive are always varied: some share stories of cooking new recipes or enjoying a movie with friends, while others recount their travels across Australia or overseas.

Hearing these travel stories stirs my own wonderful travel memories. I recall past trips—some taken during my own student years, others shared with students as part of school travel trips, and many more enjoyed with family and friends. Each memory, vivid and colourful, reignites a spark of happiness within me and I find myself planning my next adventure. Travel has a way of getting under your skin, encouraging you to seek out new experiences. Each adventure, whether small or large, leaves its mark. It doesn’t just create memories; it changes us.

At Girls Grammar, we believe in the power of travel to inspire and transform. We offer students a wide range of opportunities to explore, both at home and beyond. Whether visiting the ancient ruins of Italy, the bustling streets of Japan, or the vast landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory, our students experience the world in ways that extend far beyond the tourist lens. These trips offer more than just new sights—they foster personal growth, helping students gain a deeper understanding of the world and their place within it.

Travel teaches us to embrace the unfamiliar. It pushes us out of our comfort zones and challenges us to adapt to new surroundings and cultures. Whether navigating a foreign language or figuring out public transportation in a new city, these moments mirror the challenges students face in the classroom. A new or difficult subject, a group project, or a long-term assignment—each requires resilience, critical thinking, and problem-solving. What travel offers is a real-world stage to practise these skills, giving our students the confidence to apply them here at school.

Through travel, students develop qualities essential for school and life: independence, adaptability, and empathy. They learn to navigate uncertainty, becoming more comfortable with the unknown. These experiences don’t just shape who they are as travellers—they shape who they become as learners, leaders, and global citizens. I’ve seen students return from trips with a newfound confidence, more willing to tackle the challenges they face in their studies, and more thoughtful in their approach to teamwork and problem-solving. The growth they experience abroad translates directly into the way they engage with their academic and personal lives.

The lessons of travel go deeper still. In a world that’s becoming increasingly interconnected, the ability to understand different cultures and perspectives is more important than ever. Research tells us that creativity flourishes in new environments. When we step away from the familiar, our minds are sparked by the novelty of the world around us. The sights, sounds, and interactions we encounter while travelling stimulate our minds, often leading to new ideas and fresh perspectives. Our students return from these trips with a heightened sense of empathy and global awareness, skills that will serve them not just in school but in their future careers and personal lives. They see the world through a broader lens, one that challenges them to think critically about the issues they encounter in both their studies and in life.

Ultimately, travel is about growth. It’s about discovering the world, but it’s also about discovering ourselves. Each journey adds a new layer to our understanding of who we are and what we are capable of. The memories we create while travelling don’t just stay in the past; they continue to shape how we view the world and how we approach the challenges of the future. As our students share their travel stories and we reflect on our own adventures, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons travel teaches us: resilience; adaptability; creativity; and connection. These lessons inspire us to seek out new experiences, to learn, and to grow.

At Girls Grammar, we celebrate these moments of discovery. We know that each adventure helps shape our students into resilient, adaptable individuals ready to face the world with confidence. As Saint Augustine wisely noted, the world is a book, and each adventure is a new chapter that beckons us to explore, learn, and enrich our lives in ways that resonate far beyond the pages of our own personal stories.