An article was recently published in the Sydney Morning Herald titled ‘Buttrose says Millennials lack resilience, need hugging.’
The ABC chair was asked to reflect on what makes a good leader, and while she criticised the current political leaders, she said the biggest change and challenge was the makeup of the current workforce – in particular, Millennials. “Younger workers lack resilience and ‘almost need hugging’ for regular reassurance.” Whether you agree with the comments, studies have supported the view that resilience in young Australians is in decline.
Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity. It is a necessary skill for coping with the ups and downs of life and one of the key ingredients of success. It is directly related to wellbeing; it is about having the ability to cope with and adapt to new situations. Being resilient and positive, with a sense of wellbeing, enables a person to approach other people and situations with confidence and optimism. This mindset is especially important for students given the enormous changes and challenges they are facing now, and of course, in the future.
As we navigate through uncertain times this year, our students have shown that the worst health crisis in memory is no match for this proud and active generation. When we get through this crisis, I am sure that history will show the world’s young people helped to build a bridge from fear to hope and from confusion to understanding. The courage and resilience of our students gives me confidence that young people can manifest the best in humanity – and that is a light that will shine for generations to come.
"By helping students to develop the skills to build resilience, we can minimise the effects of negative, stressful situations. These skills allow students to face challenges, learn from them, and develop ways to live a happy and healthy life."
— Mr Scott James, Headmaster
Available research suggests that close relationships between children and their parents are known to promote and support positive development and increase levels of resilience, especially for adolescents. Furthermore, positive interactions with teachers and a feeling of being valued and supported at school may also strengthen resilience.
Consequently, it is imperative that high-quality relationships and communication exists between school and home as both are critical aspects of a young person’s resilience.
Mr Scott James, Headmaster
12 August 2026
Staff and visiting guests gathered at Knox on 12 August for a Twilight Networking Event. Bringing leaders together for an evening of connection and conversation, attendees later heard from internationally bestselling author, former state champion boxer and business owner Luke Kennedy.
10 August 2026
Last Saturday’s final rounds in 2026 Winter Sport season marked the conclusion of another outstanding chapter in Knox Sport.
07 August 2026
“Visual Arts deepens our understanding of ourselves, our communities, and the world around us,” says Wendy Shearer (Visual Arts Teacher and Head of Department, Senior School). “Through creative practice, students explore ideas, communicate experiences, and develop personal ways of seeing and interpreting the world. Art becomes both a form of expression and a means of connecting across time, place, and culture.
