Challenging the status quo: The power of knowledge and wisdom
by Kalea Haran, Principal
At Penrhos College, we celebrate not only academic excellence but also the ability to think critically, apply knowledge and challenge the status quo. Our recent Principal’s List Assembly was a testament to the incredible achievements of our students who attained 95+ ATAR results, VET qualifications and Duke of Edinburgh awards. More than just a celebration of success, it was a moment to reflect on the evolving nature of education and what it truly means to be prepared for the future.
For generations, education was about memorisation - learning facts, repeating them and mastering a rigid process. But in today’s world, knowledge alone is not enough.
“The real challenge and opportunity, lies in how we apply that knowledge.”
A simple saying captures this shift perfectly: “Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing it doesn’t belong in a fruit salad.” Understanding facts is important, but knowing how to apply them in context is what truly matters.
At Penrhos, we aim to develop both knowledge and wisdom. We want our students not just to learn but to think, question, and challenge. Science is more than just the periodic table - it’s about using chemistry to tackle climate change. History is more than just dates - it’s about understanding how past events shape our world today. We encourage our students to ask:
What does this mean?
How can I use this?
Why does it matter?
Wisdom isn’t static. It grows when we experiment, challenge assumptions, and think differently. What if a tomato does belong in a fruit salad? What if breaking conventional wisdom leads to something extraordinary?
To our students who received certificates, their success is a testament to their knowledge, hard work and, most importantly, their ability to think critically and creatively. They have shown us what it means to take what they’ve learned and use it to achieve something remarkable.
As we embark on 2025, we welcome new and returning students to another year of learning, growth and discovery.
Enjoy the moments, embrace the challenges and remember:
- You are not just here to gather information.
- You are here to experiment with knowledge and even question the so-called "wisdom".
- Who says you can't be the one to redefine what is possible.
Courage starts here.
