Chaplain's Spot

T.H.I.N.K.

I don’t know about you, but there have often been times in my life when I have regretted what I have said. I think, ‘why did I say that?’ We all mess up at times, in our words or actions. The important thing is that we learn from these moments. Having reminders such as the above quote can be very beneficial. It is one of my favourite posters as a Chaplain. 

I would like to share this perspective from How to Think Before You Speak: 13 Tips & Strategies. I trust that it is helpful for you. You probably have your own top tips as well. 

How to Think Before You Speak (And Why It's Important)

Learn to approach conversations thoughtfully & be a better listener

Co-authored by Kirsten Parker, MFA and Elaine Heredia, BA

Thinking before you speak is an important skill to master for all kinds of situations. This comprehensive guide will help you learn how to think before speaking using the THINK acronym and other useful strategies.

T: Determine if what you want to say is True.

Reflect on what you're about to say and ask yourself if it’s the truth. Don’t make something up just to have something to say, and don’t speak if you’re about to tell a lie. If you need to respond, at least modify your answer so it's the truth. 

• For example, if someone asks, “How are you today?” and you’re about to respond with something that’s not true, stop yourself and tell the truth instead.

H: Say something if it’s Helpful or stay silent if it’s not.

Speaking up can be beneficial to other people if you have something to say that might be helpful to them. If this is the case, go ahead and speak up. On the other hand, it’s best to remain silent if what you want to say will be hurtful. 

• If you’re watching a friend play a video game and you have a tip that might help them overcome a difficult level, this could be helpful to them and it’s okay to say it.
• However, if you’re watching a friend struggle to beat a level and you're about to tease them about that, don’t say anything.

I: Identify whether your comment might be Inspiring to other people.

Words that will inspire, encourage, or uplift other people are always worth saying. If you're about to pay someone a compliment, encourage them to keep working towards a goal, or tell them a story that might inspire them, do it! 

N: Speak if your comment is Necessary.

Sometimes speaking up is necessary to prevent something bad from happening, such as issuing a warning or delivering an important message to someone. If this is the case, speak up. But if what you're about to say is unnecessary, it might be better to remain silent. 

• For example, if someone is about to walk out in front of oncoming traffic, speak up to warn them immediately.

K: Stop yourself from speaking if what you want to say isn't Kind.

As the old saying goes, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Consider if what you’re about to say is kind. If it is, then speak. If not, say nothing. 

3 weeks down already! Enjoy the weekend with your loved ones.

Community wellbeing:  

Toast Tuesday: Our free weekly breakfast program runs Tuesdays at 8.30am, and is open to all students. Woolies Eastland supports us with a monthly gift card for our spreads.

Here is the link to the Term 3 team helpers’ roster - volunteersignup.org/CHJKQ

Baker Delight goods: We are thankful for the support of Bakers Delight Heathmont, who generously provide our loaves each Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bakery items, please email me, or see me at school. 

Second-hand uniforms, school bags etc: Thank you for all the donated uniform items. We have had extra made available this week, so check these out either on next Tuesday, or if the strike goes ahead [so no Toast Tuesday] at assembly Friday next week. Thanks! 

Contact: Feel free to contact me about anything that is of concern for you or your family, whether emotional, social, spiritual or practical. I can meet with students once, but for further contact we ask parents to sign a Consent Form. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.