Message Mr Mark Doran - Acting Principal

It’s The Little Things That Matter

We are each capable of achieving something grand. For some this might be winning a race when representing our school or club. Others’ grand achievement might be in academic pursuits or an inspiring work of art. Sometimes we will go ‘all out’ in doing something kind for someone else, like organising a fantastic surprise party.

While these sorts of efforts and achievements have their place, in many ways we are known more for who we are and how we behave in the everyday, ordinary events of life. Someone who brings positivity and an appreciative word to most situations is often more respected than a high-flier who is perpetually grumpy and short with others. A gentle and quiet person who provides encouragement to others is usually more appreciated than the ‘life of the party’ who might also be quite cutting with their words and not considerate of others.

Naturally, it is possible to be a high achiever who is also a nice person and an exuberant character who is also very considerate. The point is that it is often the relatively un-noticed and ‘under the radar’ smaller acts which exhibit who we are and which contribute positively to the lives of others. These ‘smaller’ acts will probably never be acknowledged with an award or a certificate, but this does not diminish their vital importance.

It was heartening to observe an action like this when the school participated in the ANZAC march. Due to the space pressure in the part of Bourke Street where schools were forming up and waiting prior to the march commencing, our Secondary students were asked to temporarily be lined up next to our Junior School students. 

This meant that when the March started, with the veterans and others marching 

between the various school groups, initially our Junior School students could not see any of the March. The Secondary students were quickly asked to squat down so the younger students could see. It was very impressive how the older students quickly did this, without any complaining or thought for themselves. This necessitated them holding quite an awkward pose for quite a while as the March progressed. None-the-less, these students, to a person, could see the benefit this was for their fellow students and exhibited selflessness and other centredness. What a great example they were to others and an example of excellence in a Christian environment (from our Strategic Plan).

Mark Doran

Acting Principal