Independent Schools Guide 2025: Why challenges are opportunities to learn and grow

These are COVID-19 isolation, encroaching screen time and social media, and well-meaning but over-protective parents who prevent young people from experiencing hardship and learning to deal with setbacks.

“When something doesn’t turn out as well as they hoped, we want our young people to recognise what they can learn from that experience,” Müller says.

“Parents want to help their children through a difficult time and that’s understandable, but solving a child’s problems doesn’t help them build communication skills and learn how to compromise and cope.

“We don’t always get our own way, and we don’t always succeed – that’s life, and it’s a lesson that young people need to learn.”

Mentone Grammar places a strong emphasis on building resilience, adaptability and perseverance.

This includes promoting physical activity and fitness through the school’s comprehensive sports and outdoor education programs.

Students can take advantage of a broad co-curricular program that encourages them to try new things and learn from a broad range of experiences that involve students stepping out of their comfort zone.

They can also immerse themselves in the school’s strong service opportunities that expose students to real-life societal issues such as homelessness and poverty.

“By service, we don’t just want young people to put two dollars in a collection tin,” Müller says. “We want them to give their time to do something for others.

“So, the School is a strong supporter of Anglicare, our Year 10 students have worked with homeless mothers through a charity based in Geelong, and students have also helped a charity that supports homeless people who have a pet by donating pet food, blankets and leads and raising funds to help pay vet bills.