Wise Words With...

Perseverance

As we continue our way through this school year, I have been reminded of one of our core values—perseverance. In a world where instant gratification often takes centre stage, perseverance teaches us the importance of enduring challenges, pushing past obstacles, and maintaining our focus on long-term goals. 

This value is essential, not only to our academic and spiritual lives but also resonates deeply within our broader community, as exemplified by the recent success of our Australian athletes at the Paris Olympics.

In Hebrews 12:1-2, we read: 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

This passage serves as a reminder that our journey, much like a race, requires steadfastness and determination. We are called to cast aside distractions and focus on the path that God has set before us, with Jesus as our ultimate example.

The recent Paris Olympics have given us incredible examples of perseverance in action. Our Australian athletes demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, overcoming physical and mental challenges to achieve success on the world stage. Their achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance, as they spent years training, often facing setbacks, yet never giving up on their dreams.

Our Gold Medallists spent countless hours in preparation, enduring rigorous training schedules and overcoming injuries. Their perseverance has not only brought pride to our nation but also serves as an inspiration to all of us. Their stories remind us that success does not come easily—it requires hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the goal. We will see perseverance again when the Paralympics commence.

As we celebrate these athletic achievements, we also turn our focus to our school community, where perseverance is equally vital. Our senior students are gearing up for their upcoming exams, hand-in dates are approaching for their major Design and Technology projects, French-speaking exams and Drama performances. This is a crucial period that demands their best efforts and unwavering determination. Please pray for them in the weeks ahead.

Many of our students have also recently participated in various academic competitions, showcasing their talents and hard work. These competitions require not only knowledge but also the perseverance to tackle challenging problems and think critically under pressure. We congratulate all participants for their dedication and commend their efforts.

Meanwhile, our youngest learners have reached a significant milestone—100 days of Kindergarten! This celebration is a testament to their growth and perseverance as they navigate the early stages of their educational journey. We are incredibly proud of their progress and look forward to seeing how they continue to develop their skills and character.

Additionally, our school has seen great participation in various sporting carnivals, where students of all ages have competed with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. These events provide opportunities to demonstrate perseverance, as our students push themselves to achieve their personal bests, whether on the track, on the court or on the field.

As we reflect on these activities and achievements, let us take to heart the words of Hebrews 12. ‘Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’. As a school community, we are committed to supporting one another in this journey, ensuring that we all reach the finish line together, stronger in our faith and more resilient in our character.