Principal's Welcome Message
For whom am I?
In his new Papal Exhortation ‘Christus Vivit’, Pope Francis speaks to the heart of the need to be part of the evangelising church. He highlights that that we can only give what we have, not continuing only to ‘breathe out’, but needing to also ‘breathe in’.
So often in life, we waste time asking ourselves: ‘Who am I?’ You can keep asking, ‘Who am I?’ for the rest of your lives. But the real question is: ‘For whom am I?’ Of course you are for God. But He has decided that you should also be for others, and He has given you many qualities, inclinations, gifts and charisms that are not for you, but to share with those around you’. (C.V. 286)
During this, our Sabbath Week, how are you ‘breathing in’ for yourself, allowing yourself to be evangelised. Also, ‘for whom are you?’ How are you allowing yourself to be for God, and in turn, ‘being for others’.
What kind of person are you?
This week I took time to speak to Year 6 about the importance of ‘transcending’ some of the challenges and issues that occur in the classroom and on the playground. In doing so, I put to them the rhetorical question, ‘what kind of person are you?’
The provocation to this conversation was a speech by ex-AFL player, but current inspiring human being, Neale Daniher. https://speakola.com/motivate/neale-daniher-take-responsibility-2019 In his speech, Daniher speaks about the fact there will be good times in life, but there will also be tough times, and it is how we handle ourselves in the tough times that more often define us.
For the Year 6 students, and indeed all the students, my wish is much the same as Daniher has for Cooper, his grandson. When tough times do occur, that they will themselves have the fortitude to stand up for what is right, take responsibility for their own decisions and to conduct themselves in the ‘right way’ in the face of hardship. This right way is to summon the moral courage to take responsibility, even when it wasn’t their fault. Daniher says, ‘no matter what happens, it’s up to (you) to do something about it. Have the courage to accept responsibility, don’t shy away from it, don’t baulk… and by doing that, what will emerge inside you, is the better side of your character. That will allow you to prevail. That will allow you to move through it. And it might even allow you to transcend…’
At the school level, we support the students as they learn and play with their peers, as they form new friendships and also manage challenges that arise each day. We all have a very specific role to be there to assist them when needed. However, as teachers and parents, we also want to instil in the children a sense of ‘responsibility’, that they can actually be the biggest influence in what their day is like, and to be able to learn from and move on from any ‘tough times’.
I encourage all parents to watch Neale Daniher’s speech and consider how you might be able to share this message with your children.
Carpenter Chronicle
The next edition of the school newspaper, The Carpenter Chronicle, is now available – July / August Edition.
A message from the editors:
These couple of months have been complete crunch time for us in the Newspaper Team. Honestly, the July/August edition has been hard. But with hardship comes reward. We went to the Canberra Times in Fyshwick for an excursion. We got to see many things, like where the comics are made, how the papers themselves are printed and met everyone on the wonderful staff. It really helped us improve our writing. We think that getting to see the most common and well-known Newspaper people in Canberra has been very inspirational and helpful for us, and has inspired this July/August edition. This is our second of many editions to come, and all of us here are proud to be a part of the original team. We hope you enjoy!
-Zoe Pearson and Renee Marks, Senior Members of the Newspaper Team
Save the date
Grandparent’s Day is Thursday 24 October. We will have a Prayer Celebration at 9.15am, followed by morning tea and open classrooms. Please share this date with those who would like to join us on the day.
Leave
From Monday 9 September to Wednesday 18 September I will be taking leave, travelling overseas with my lovely wife. While away, Amy Dozpot will ensure all things continue to run smoothly. I look forward to getting back in time for the final count down to our school musical in Week 10.
Have a wonderful end to the week.
Yours in Christ,
Cameron Tarrant
Principal
