College Chaplain
Reverend Peter Landry
Chapel in Term 3 - Flourishing: Knowing who I am.
Article by Reverend Peter Landry, College Chaplain
This term in chapel, we have begun exploring our theme of ‘What does it mean to flourish?’
Life often tells us that happiness comes from what we achieve, what we own or how others see us. While these things can bring satisfaction for a time, they are not enough to sustain us. The Christian faith points us towards something deeper. The bible teaches that our identity begins with God. We are created in His image, loved by Him and called into relationship with Him. From this foundation, we learn to love others and to value ourselves as people made in God's image.
In our first chapel this term, Junior School students explored Jesus' Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-20). Together, they prepared the soil before planting a sunflower seed that we will watch grow throughout the term. Jesus used this parable to show that growth is shaped by the condition of the soil. We reflected on what creates "good soil" in our own lives. Knowing that we are loved by God, that we belong, and that we can continue to grow creates the conditions for us to flourish.
Students in Years 5 to 12 reflected on the same theme using a Jenga tower. Each block represented something that supports our wellbeing, including sleep, healthy relationships, exercise, rest, faith and community. As blocks were removed, the tower became less stable. This led into Jesus' teaching in Mark 12:29-31, where He reminds us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. We spent time considering that last phrase. Caring for ourselves is not selfish. It is part of living faithfully. When we build healthy rhythms into our lives and recognise our worth in God, we are better able to love and serve those around us.
Continuing the Conversation
These conversations do not end when chapel finishes. Families play a significant role in shaping a young person's understanding of identity, purpose and wellbeing. Simple conversations at home can reinforce what students are learning at school. Here are some questions you can ask to get the conversation started:
Junior School:
In chapel you learned about how important good soil is for plants to grow, what would be the ‘good soil’ helping you grow?
Is there anything that we do that makes you feel safe, loved or that you belong?
Middle School, Year 9, Senior School:
Think back to the Jenga Tower that Rev. Peter used during chapel.
Which ‘Jenga block’ makes you feel strongest?
If your wellbeing was a Jenga tower, which blocks would you never want to remove?
What kinds of people help you become the best version of yourself?
Resources
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
Podcasts:
Pop Parenting – An Australian parenting podcast offering practical, evidence-informed conversations on raising resilient, confident and emotionally healthy children.
The Imperfects – Honest conversations about vulnerability, resilience and what it means to flourish as a human being.
Raising Good Humans – Practical parenting strategies for helping children develop emotional resilience, confidence and healthy relationships.
Good Inside with Dr Becky – Evidence-informed conversations about raising emotionally healthy, resilient children while strengthening family connection.
Books:
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson – A highly practical guide to understanding children's developing brains and fostering emotional resilience.
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – An insightful exploration of the factors shaping young people's wellbeing today, with practical ideas for families.
Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley – A thoughtful Christian resource exploring how everyday family rhythms can shape character, relationships and faith.
Raising Resilient Children by Karen Young – Accessible, research-informed strategies for helping children build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.