EMPOWERING STUDENT WELLNESS

Nurturing Morality & Shaping Character

By Matt Edwards (Primary Chaplain) 

In our modern post-truth world, it seems that the topic of morality has increasingly become a social taboo. We don’t really talk about it, as it is a private matter, and, “…how dare you tell me what to do with my life” is often the perceived response. And yet, I would like to suggest that morality is far more than just do’s and don’ts. Here is a short list of statements that give an understanding of what I mean:

Honesty matters.

Kindness is excellent.

Anger should be controlled appropriately.

Generosity is better than selfishness.

Forgiveness and faithfulness are essential to friendships and life.

Respect for authority is good.

Self-control is important. 

Hopefully I am painting a picture of morality which is broader than just simple actions, such as speaking a poor, untrue word to somebody, and fitting it into the wider context of characteristics. All of the statements I listed above may sound generic, but they can help to guide and shape the life of a child, as they are applicable in many settings and in many ways. Yet they need some help to see how they are! 

Yes, our kids can be told how to exemplify these statements and how they apply within many contexts, and it is needed, but they also need to see it lived out in front of them. If I can say it this way, generosity begets generosity. Our kids take on what they see and hear, and we get the opportunity to fill them with good things! It takes time and hard work. But the time and work that it will cost us, will instill costly things within them.

Frequently I hear the phrases, “reaching their full potential”, and, “giving them every opportunity to succeed”, but often this is applied much more staunchly in some areas of life, than in regards to character. 

And so it is helpful to speak of giving our kids a moral compass. In this sense, they have within themselves a gravitational pull towards a certain way of living, such as generously or mercifully, even when they do not want to. It requires for it to be consistently experienced and learned. This way when our kids become adults, they will have a natural disposition towards such things. 

These things help to make our kids well beings. And it is truly an honour to be a part of forming them in this way. 

For more useful information please see the below links: 

https://bhcs.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-external-resource/building-positive-values

https://bhcs.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-external-resource/teenagers-and-communication

https://bhcs.vic.schooltv.me/newsletter-external-resource/headspace-3 

WELLBEING RESOURCES

We know that it can sometimes be hard to find the necessary resources in relation to mental health, bullying and family violence, especially when things are tough. For this reason, the School has a small webpage with links related to health and wellbeing resources. This can be found on the School's website under Other Resources or can be found here.