Hi Dad,

I just overheard a conversation between Mum and Emma about a weekend trip Emma wants to go on with her friends. I thought I'd fill you in so you're not caught off guard when she asks you too.

Emma really wants to go. She says all her closest friends are going and that it's a chance to have fun and spend quality time together away from school stress. She also pointed out that she's been doing well in school lately and feels she's earned a bit of freedom.

Mum, on the other hand, is worried. She's not sure who's supervising, and she's concerned about the cost and whether Emma will keep up with her homework. She also mentioned that Emma hasn't always been the most responsible when it comes to staying in touch and following rules.

Honestly, I think Emma should be allowed to go – but with some conditions. Maybe she could check in by text a few times a day, and promise to finish her assignments before leaving. That way she gets her independence, but Mum and you don't have to worry as much.

Let me know what you think!

Re: What to wear?

@CrazyPoor08, first of all – congrats on getting invited! But I think you're overthinking this. Let me explain.

@LiveUrLife08, I get that you're trying to be supportive, but ordering a bunch of cheap clothes just to return them isn't great advice. It's wasteful, it contributes to the fast fashion problem, and telling CrazyPoor to lie to her boyfriend? That's a recipe for trust issues. If you can't be honest about a dress, what else are you going to hide?

@doitright88 is onto something with the vintage idea. Thrift shops and second-hand apps are amazing for finding unique outfits that nobody else will be wearing. You can look incredible without spending a fortune or hurting the planet. Plus, there's something really satisfying about finding a hidden gem.

But here's what I really want to say, @CrazyPoor08: why are you dressing for your ex? You said you want to "wow everybody," but the best outfit in the world won't change how your ex feels, and honestly, it shouldn't matter. Dress for yourself and your own confidence.

My actual advice: ask your friends if anyone has something you can borrow. Most people have clothes in their wardrobe they never wear. You could also try a clothes swap – invite your friends over and trade outfits. It's free, it's fun, and it's sustainable. Your boyfriend would probably approve too.

Have a great party!

Braver Than You Believe

Welcome, first-years. I know exactly how you're feeling right now – nervous, excited, maybe a little overwhelmed. I felt the same way when I started here. And I want to share something with you that helped me.

A line often attributed to A.A. Milne reminds us that we are usually braver, stronger and smarter than we believe ourselves to be. I know it sounds like something from a greeting card, but hear me out. These words have a way of proving themselves true, again and again, if you give them a chance.

Starting at a new school is one of those moments where everything feels uncertain. You don't know where the classrooms are, you don't know if you'll make friends, and you're probably wondering if you're smart enough for the classes you've signed up for. Let me tell you right now: you are. But you won't believe that until you've tested yourself, and that means stepping outside your comfort zone.

Set goals. Not just the big, impressive ones – "I want to get top grades" or "I want to get into medical school" – but the small, daily ones too. "I'll talk to someone new today." "I'll ask a question in class even if it feels embarrassing." "I'll try out for a team or join a club." These small goals add up. They build confidence, and confidence builds momentum.

But let me be honest with you: it won't always be easy. There will be days when you feel like you're falling behind, when social media makes everyone else's life look perfect while yours feels like a mess. There will be moments when you fail a test, lose a friendship, or feel completely lost. That's not a sign that something is wrong with you. That's life. And the people who succeed aren't the ones who never fail – they're the ones who get back up.

Michael Jordan, one of the greatest athletes of all time, was once cut from his high school basketball team. He has often spoken about how some people simply wait or hope for success, while others put in the work to actually make it happen. The difference between wanting and making is action. It's showing up, doing the work, and being patient with yourself when things don't go according to plan.

So here's my advice: be kind to yourselves, but push yourselves too. Find something you care about and pursue it. Ask for help – that's not weakness, it's wisdom. And remember that every single person in this room, including the teachers, has felt exactly the way you feel right now. You're not alone in this.

Remember: you are braver, stronger and wiser than you might believe. Now go out and prove it.

Thank you, and welcome to our school.