Living with Strength and Kindliness

On Tuesday our Year 11's gathered as a community to explore our Kildare Ministries guiding value this year - Courage. They heard from members of our own staff community and guest speakers about different examples of courage and how we can all 'let the little things we do be stepping stones for growth.’ 

As our Year 11's journey further into their formal schooling we explored how each of them has unique leadership qualities that they can use to support them in this exciting time of their life. Below are some reflections from members of our Year 11 student community.

• "Today we learnt that having even a small amount of courage can make a difference.”
• "Being kind is easier than being mean.”
• “Even if it might be difficult, always aim to do the right thing in a situation.”
• “Be courageous - have the courage to lead and do the right thing.”
• “Today we learnt the importance of kindness when displaying traits of leadership and being a role model. Being kind and having courage provides people with the building blocks needed to be a leader. Some of the building blocks of leadership we discussed today are courage, humility, compassion, trust and being authentic.”

Last week we partnered with our parish to support the Soup for the Soul initiative that is being run at St Mary’s on Thursday over lunch times in June. I was privileged to be one of the educators who went with these students.  What a wonderful community opportunity this was to work together, meet new people and share in a meal. 

This past Sunday the gospel reading from John begun with “I am the living bread that comes down from heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will live forever.” Some Scriptural scholar’s believe that this passage was included at the later stage of the text editing as it clearly has a resurrection focus. What strikes me regarding this passage is the invitation in the text for readers to understand the mission to create a more just world.  

As we enter Refugee Week next week, we are reminded that the small actions we take can have huge impact on those in our world who need support. In the coming week our students and staff will have the opportunity to engage in actions such as sharing a meal and a story to illustrate many different experiences of refugees.

Lee Pethybridge

College Leader - Faith and Community