Dear BMGS Community,

We are about to bid farewell to another year, so it is with humble gratitude that I thank you and reflect on the remarkable journey we’ve shared as a community. Like all schools, we have had some challenges but also some triumphs and our school community has once again demonstrated its established place in this community and its ability to contribute to the educational conversation both locally and overseas.

The end of the year is a time for us to pause, reflect, and celebrate what we have achieved collectively and individually. From academic achievements to artistic endeavours, athletic accomplishments to personal milestones, each of us has made this year successful. I want to acknowledge the commitment, dedication, and perseverance that have made it all possible.

The end of the year is also a time for us to evaluate those things we could have done better. If we look at areas we need to improve, we stay in touch with others, leading well. So, it is right to assess what can be improved, be kind to ourselves, and begin to recognise growth areas.

As we approach the Christmas break, it is important to remember the deeper meaning of this special holiday. Christmas is not just about festive decorations, delicious feasts, and exchanging gifts. It’s a time to embrace love, compassion, and the joy of giving. It reminds us to extend our hands to those in need, offer kindness to strangers, and cherish our bonds with family and friends.

In the words of the timeless Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” we are reminded of the peace and serenity that this season brings:

Silent night, holy night,

All is calm; all is bright.

Round yon Virgin, Mother, and Child,

Holy infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace.

As we celebrate Christmas, I am often reminded of the memorable scene from the movie “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.” In this movie, the main character, Ricky Bobby, says grace before a meal, and his prayer revolves around the “baby Jesus.” Of course, the baby Jesus is a central figure in the Christmas story, but there’s more to it than just the adorable infant in the manger.

I always laugh at that scene from the movie. Recently, Luke Webb and I watched it together and found ourselves laughing again. Ricky Bobby’s prayer, however, is a gentle reminder that sometimes we, too, can get caught up in the sentimental aspects of Christmas. We love the nativity scenes with the cute baby, the warm glow of candlelight, and the beautiful carols that fill the air. But it is also important for us to look beyond the baby Jesus and remember why He came into the world in the first place.

Jesus was born to be our Saviour. Christmas is the beginning of the most incredible story ever told—a story of God’s profound love for humanity. Jesus’s birth was part of God’s plan to offer us forgiveness and bring us back into a relationship with Him.

Luke 2:11 says, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Jesus Christ the Lord.”

While the baby Jesus captures our hearts, let us not forget that He grew up as the Saviour who would sacrifice His life for us. It is like the ultimate plot twist in a movie - the baby becomes the ultimate hero.

Take a Break

One way to embrace the true spirit of Christmas is by considering a complete break from those things that often distract us from each other. In our digital age, it’s easy to become consumed by screens and devices, which can sometimes hinder genuine human connection. Recent research highlights the benefits of a digital detox in promoting well-being and fostering meaningful connections.

Studies have shown that reducing screen time and taking breaks from digital devices can lead to:

Improved Mental Health: Disconnecting from screens has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows us to break the constant information overload and comparison cycle, leading to a more peaceful state of mind.
Enhanced Productivity: Taking time away from screens can boost productivity and creativity. It provides space for reflection, idea generation, and deep thinking.
Better Sleep: Exposure to screens before bedtime can disrupt our sleep patterns. A digital detox can improve the quality of our sleep, leading to increased energy and alertness during the day.
Strengthened Relationships: When we put down our devices, we can engage in meaningful face-to-face conversations and activities, strengthening our connections with family and friends.

This Christmas, I want to challenge ourselves to put down our phones, step away from our computers, and fully engage with the people and moments that matter most. A digital detox can lead to a deeper appreciation of the world around us and the people we share it with.

In a remarkable and confronting article on this subject, a 15-year-old student admits that young people do not know how to disengage from their social media networks when desired. For better or worse, TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter - among other social media applications - all permeate the daily lives of many young people and shape their routines. We, as adults, need to show the way.

The link to the article can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/562j8hw7

As we all embark on a well-deserved break over the Christmas holidays, may it be a time of rest, rejuvenation, and reflection. Let us carry the spirit of togetherness, kindness, and gratitude into the new year, knowing that we can make every day as successful and meaningful as the last.

On behalf of the entire Blue Mountains Grammar School community, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a hopeful, rejuvenating break filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. May this holiday season bring you closer to what truly matters, and may the coming year be filled with even more success, growth, and happiness.

I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024.

With warmest wishes,

Steven Coote

Principal

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