Director of Mission
2019 has already seen examples and the start of great work…
“But the very nature of doing more Great Work means there will be times when you stumble, times you lose the path, times when you’re hacking through the jungle. You’ll ask yourself if this was the right path in the first place. As various military leaders have pointed out over the years, “No plan survives contact with the enemy.”
― Michael Bungay Stanier, Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters.
Community Action Team
Last week I asked you where you can help and what your goal would be for your children and yourself in 2019 in order to be a better version of yourselves. I started with the quote from Michael Bungay who also wrote ‘The Coaching Habit: Say less, Ask More and Change the Way you Lead Forever’. A fascinating read that makes your work less of a struggle where you ‘stumble less’ and lead with greater impact. To ask questions instead of offering advice and differentiating between what we ‘can’t’ and ‘won’t’ do. When we are looking at our goals it is easy to dismiss them quickly because we can already see the path leads to a ‘jungle’. It was this notion we presented to our new Community Action Team members of 2019 in a packed classroom at lunchtime. Over 30 students already volunteering to do the ‘hard work’ and we asked them to think we growth and focus on what is possible. Be the change that makes Marian greater.
It had a positive effect as ideas flooded in on how to approach our first initiative in Project Compassion this term, which will be held during lent. Last year we were able to raise over $2700 and more importantly bring much needed awareness to the cause. It was uplifting to see the enthusiastic approach by this group of young students whom I am sure our Pastoral Worker Ms Hone will discuss further in her article. Members of this team will be presenting some of their ideas for the year in our next student briefing on Wednesday which would be a good opportunity for other students to possibly identify where they can contribute also.
The Plenary Council
Quite a lot of data has been received around the submissions in the lead up to the Plenary Council. This week Marian Catholic College presented their student collective submission in the form of an artwork.
The design was inspired by the Plenary logo and students conducted dialogue sessions run by myself throughout 2017 and it has continued until now. Which has resulted in over 100 individual submission that need to be processed and collaborated ready to be sent to Sydney.
After completing the session of ‘listening to the Spirit’ they were asked to design a square that spoke about their faith and what it means to them. The mural is made up of tiles that express qualities of family, love, hope and growth. This artwork will be the starting discussion point for our staff spirituality session and submission conducted next Wednesday.
Further class session with Yr 10 will be conducted in week 4 also. For any further information around the Plenary Council feel free to get in conduct or simply visit the website on http://plenarycouncil.catholic.org.au/
Year 11 School in Catholic Thought
The new senior religion program has commenced at Marian and students opening topic is “What it means to be human?’ In order to understand from a spiritual perspective they were challenged to conduct community service that would make them greater humans and help the dignity of others. Already they jumped at the idea to help elderly locals with their bins! A simple gesture that shows that with a little help hard work can be a beautiful gift. Hopefully this program continues and the students grow from the experience.
Once again, I propose the question; Where can you help? Where does your talent fit in building these ideas or coming up with better ones? These questions in contemplation turn our passions into purpose. Please ensure that your sons and daughters are involved in something that grows them closer to their best in 2019. It will be hard work and can be a path that is often unclear, but the reward and destination is far greater than the struggle. Please do not hesitate to contact me through the College Office or my email anytime:
Have a great weekend.
Heath Neville
Director of Mission
Marian Catholic College