Wise words with...

Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.    Matthew 11:29

Recently, I visited our primary instrumental groups. Students were learning to play music together. Mrs Walton was conducting with guidance from other tutors, Mr Drury, Mr Skewes and Miss Elliston. Students were developing their musical skills and, at the same time, their character. 

While a person attends music lessons for the primary reason of learning an instrument, it also helps them to grow in:

• Humility (I need the help of my teacher);
• Integrity (committing to regular practice as agreed with the teacher);
• Kindness (kindness and forbearance shown by an expert towards a novice);
• Perseverance (practising hard things set by the teacher);
• Respect (for the knowledge and skills that a teacher has accumulated over their life);
• Gratitude (for the teachers who give their time to help me learn).

It is in the ‘doing,’ under the guidance of a teacher that a student grows in these character traits. In fact, as educators and parents, we are often aware that the main benefit is the growth in character rather than the task itself.

In all of this, the role of the teacher is central. It is also the case in every other facet of school life and our wider community.

As we approach Easter, we will have the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ life. We set aside the next week (hence the traditional name ‘Holy Week’) to recount the last days of Jesus' life, his death and resurrection.

As we do this, we can be guided by Jesus's example. He is the ultimate teacher. Though the primary purpose of Easter is the salvation obtained through his sacrifice, we can also learn from how Jesus lived through the coming week. He is an example of what it is to be truly human - true character. I encourage everyone to take time in the week ahead to read and reflect on the accounts of Jesus' final week —he promises that when we do, we will find rest for our souls.