From the Principal  

Developing Character

I once read a book titled, “Who are you when no one else is looking?” The gist of the book was someone can try to look good, but the sort of person we are underneath is what really matters. Even if we wear the best clothes, get cosmetic surgery, have the coolest hair etc, or look good on social media, it doesn’t make us a fabulous person. The big idea was Character! When all is stripped away, what is left of a person is our character. The person we really are. Whilst schools are about learning a big part of our focus is shaping student character, helping them to be the very best version of themselves. 

Character is arguably the most important thing in life because it determines how we think, which then affects how we speak and act, which then shapes the way we live. If we want to have a fulfilled life, we need to build our character. Calrossy has a set of published values, that when taken seriously will grow character. They are:

Selflessness – It’s not all about me. It is about being a good friend, not just having friends. It is thinking how I act affects others. We all hate it when people are selfish – me, me me! It is not about my rights but my responsibilities. Happiness studies reveal an interesting thing – those who focus on others are happier themselves.

Integrity – honesty, realness and taking responsibility for our actions and thoughts. It is hard to measure – but you will know when you meet someone with integrity – they are fair dinkum, they do what they say and say what they do – they don’t change when they are with different people – and they are committed to fairness and decency. They are consistent no matter who is with them.

Resilience – is the ability to bounce back when things go wrong. Sometimes things go badly because we make mistakes or do silly things, at other times things just go wrong. We are disappointed, we stumble, we get injured, others hurt us. People of character can feel disappointed, but it is not where they stay – they are resilient and learn to pick themselves up (often with help) and get going again, managing even when things are tough.

Inclusiveness – is what is says – it is about others – Include them, welcome them, think of them and do what it takes to include others. It is the opposite of being exclusive – not just me and my friends/mates and shutting others out. We all know people who go out of their way to welcome, include everyone and make people feel special. Be like them.

Holding to these values doesn’t come easily and we have to work at it. A truism though is that actions are louder than words. Calrossy’s values are based on our Christian heritage, and the best example of these values is Jesus himself:

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” Philippians 2: 6-8

Service and the good of others is implied. When embedded, values shape a community and everyone benefits. In my time at Calrossy I have been delighted to meet and learn of many old girls and boys who embody the character traits above, serving others as people of integrity and selflessness. These alumni have made a difference to others in the way they live beyond school.

I firmly believe that our country needs leaders and people of character and that our Calrossy values will make a difference to our community through the development of young women and men of great character. Of course the development of character starts at birth, is shaped by families and assisted by the example of others as they commence at school. Starting right at Prep/Kindy and going through to Year 12, growing young men and women who are well-educated, confident and articulate, and possessing deep character is an important goal of our School.

David Smith

Principal