Principal

The Rising of the West 

“Well there's a big, big sound From the West of the town” …..

This is the start of the AFLs Greater Western Sydney song, but I believe this also describes our Western Melbourne community. 

Last weekend, after only 3 years in the A League, Western United won the premiership. This young team has taken the opportunity to grow fast, blaze new trails and make dreams come true.

I feel blessed that we are in the fastest growing growth corridor in the country, and as a fairly young school in a comparatively young area, as it presents so many opportunities. At Good News, we are regularly looking at what opportunities are available to support our community and to understand our responsibilities and place in the community. Like Western United, we can aim to be the best without being the oldest or the most established.

Questions we consider when we dream big:

• What is our current place or situation? 
• Where do our dreams fit and how does this impact the community? 
• How do we support each other to achieve great things?
• What obligations do we have when we set our goals? 
• How do we fulfil our dreams when challenges keep presenting? 

Achieving our dreams is a bit like finishing a jigsaw. There are many things to learn from considering the process of doing a jigsaw puzzle and how it compares to the decisions and tasks we encounter each day. Consider these:

1. Don’t force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.
   When things aren’t going so well, take a break. Everything will look different when you return.
    
2. Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.
    
3. Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.
    
4. When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see #4).
    
5. The Creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook. Refer to the Creator’s guidebook often.
    
6. Variety is the spice of life. It’s the different colours and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.
    
7. Working together with friends and family makes any task fun.
    
8. Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.
    
9. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.
    
10. Take time often to celebrate your successes—even little ones.
     
11. Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can’t be rushed.
     
12. When you finally reach the last piece, don’t be sad. Rejoice in the masterpiece you’ve made and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Enjoy putting together your own creation and jigsaw!