
In the first week of Term 1, The Knox School hosted a special assembly for Senior School students and representatives from our Junior School that included welcoming words for our community of learners and a special Acknowledgement of Country.
We were delighted to have Nartarsha Bamblett in attendance, who is a proud First Nations woman, living and learning on Naarm Country in Melbourne.
Within her acknowledgement, Nartarsha asked us to reflect on something deeply meaningful: leaving things in the spirit with which we found them. It’s a simple idea, but one that has powerful implications. Whether it’s in our classrooms, our relationships or the wider world, this concept challenges us to be mindful of the impact we have on the spaces and people around us.
The notion of leaving things in the spirit you found them is a timeless one. When we enter a space – whether it’s a physical place like a classroom, or a metaphorical one like a conversation or a social situation – what we leave behind can say a lot about who we are. To “leave things in the spirit with which you found them” means that we should aim to leave the space, relationship, or community in a better state than when we arrived, or at least in the same state, respecting the integrity and purpose of the space.
One of our 2025 School Captains, Jacqueline Ring, commented afterwards:
“It was great to hear Nartarsha share her culture and her heritage with us, and to see how this really defines who she is. It must take real courage and passion to be able to get in front of a big group of people in this way, and I enjoyed learning about her experience and connection to country.”
This idea can be applied to many aspects of our lives. In a classroom, it might mean taking care of our environment—keeping things tidy, but more importantly, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding. It means taking care not to disrupt the flow of learning or the spirit of cooperation that helps our classrooms thrive.
The concept doesn’t just apply to school – it stretches far beyond it. As learners, you are preparing to take on more responsibility in the world. It’s a time where the small actions you take now will shape the future, not only for you, but for everyone around you.
Following this assembly, our Associate Principal: Community, Culture and Operations, Toni-Ann Bright, shared:
“In many ways, it’s not enough to just go through the motions. We must be intentional in our actions. This means thinking about how we approach every situation. Before you leave a space or finish a task, ask yourself: Am I leaving it better? Or at least, am I leaving it undisturbed, respecting its original spirit?
Reflection plays an important role here. The idea of leaving things in the spirit you found them also invites us to reflect on how we can continue to grow as individuals and as a community. In a classroom, this could mean leaving a conversation with an open mind, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. In the world, it could mean taking action to protect the environment or standing up for those whose voices are too often ignored.”
The challenge, of course, is in making this idea a habit. It’s easy to fall into patterns of behaviour that are self-focused, especially as we face the pressures of schoolwork, exams, and the pressures of growing up. But if we can embed respect, mindfulness and care into our daily routines, it will become second nature.
So, next time you walk into a classroom, step into a conversation, or even engage with the broader world, ask yourself: What is the spirit of this place? And perhaps, how might I be able to contribute to it in a positive way?
By adopting this mindset, you not only honour the spaces you inhabit but also create a legacy of respect and responsibility that will carry you far beyond your time as a student.