Senior School

Whoever Can Be Trusted With Very Little Can Also be Trusted With Much

On 17 May 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven delivered the commencement address for the graduates of The University of Texas in Austin. He shared with students and faculty a simple yet powerful message,

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

His words may seem small and trite, but they hold a powerful truth. If you can’t do the little things right, like making your bed, you will never do the big things right. This principle also aligns with Biblical teachings that emphasise faithfulness in small tasks as a reflection of our commitment to God.

Coming home to a bed that is well-made, especially after a challenging day, can provide a sense of comfort and encouragement. It reminds us that even amid chaos, struggle and uncertainty, we can create some sense of order and stability in our own lives. It gives us hope that tomorrow can be better, that we have the resilience and strength to face whatever challenges come our way. The good news is that we are not expected to do it all alone.

Admiral WILLIAM H. MCRAVEN Commencement Speech

 "Make Your Bed" by Admiral William H. McRaven speech transcript (jamesclear.com)

In the book of Luke, Jesus shares a parable about the faithful servant who is given small responsibilities and proves himself trustworthy. In Luke 16:10, Jesus says, 

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”

This verse reminds us that our faithfulness in small tasks reflects our character and integrity. By making our bed every morning, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence and stewardship in the little things, which can lead to greater opportunities and blessings in the future.

The act of making our bed can also be seen as a symbol of order and discipline, which are articles of faith. The apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 14:40, 

But all things should be done decently and in order.

He emphasised the importance of living a disciplined and organised life, where even the smallest tasks are carried out with care and attention to detail. 

Paying careful attention to how we plan and organise our daily tasks can not only help us to be more productive but can also lead to a better sense of personal wellbeing. The idea of coming home to a well-made bed can also serve as a source of comfort and encouragement which resonates with the Biblical concept of finding rest and peace in God. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us, saying, 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Setting aside time to spend time with God can provide a sense of comfort and reassurance after a long day. We can find rest and solace in the presence of God, knowing that He cares for us and provides for our needs.

As we navigate through the daily grind of life, it can be easy to overlook the importance of the little things. We may be focused on achieving our big goals and dreams, but it is often the small, daily tasks that lay the foundation for success. By starting our day with a simple act like making our bed, setting aside time for God and reflecting on His word, we set the tone for the day ahead. It may seem like a small task, but it can have a ripple effect that motivates us to tackle other tasks throughout each day.

Recent Senior School Events

Parent Teacher Interviews – Thursday 25 and Friday 26 July

We had a fantastic turnout for the Parent Teacher Interviews at the start of the term. The sessions were very productive. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the positive atmosphere.

Senior School Music Assembly – Monday 29 July

The Senior School Music Assembly was a resounding success. Our talented students (orchestra, band, and choirs) showcased their skills and dedication through outstanding performances. Congratulations to all the performers and a heartfelt thanks to the Music department for their hard work in organising this event.

Senior School Musical Production 

This week, our Senior School production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is captivating audiences. The students have put in a tremendous amount of effort, and their enthusiasm is palpable. A big thank you to everyone involved in bringing this production to life.

Upcoming Events

International Week

Commencing Monday 12 August, we celebrate International Week. The week will feature a vibrant array of activities, including an International Assembly, international flag display, student food fair, dedicated Chapel, chopsticks challenge, International Costume Dress Up, and the ever-popular German Chocolate Cakes. It's a wonderful opportunity for students to embrace and learn about diverse cultures within our College community.

Year 8 Camp

Year 8 Camp is set to run from Monday 19 August to Thursday 22 August. This promises to be an exciting adventure filled with learning and personal growth. As a reminder, Friday 23 August is a day off for Year 8 students to recover from their camp experience.

Year 9 Camp

Year 9 students will embark on their camp from Monday 26 August to Thursday 29 August. Like their Year 8 counterparts, they will have Friday 30 August off to rest and recuperate after an action-packed week.

Year 11 Formal Dinner 

Mark your calendars for Friday 6 September, when our Year 11 students will celebrate their first year of VCE at the Year 11 Formal Dinner. It promises to be an elegant evening of celebration.

Senior Music Gala Evening

The Senior Music Gala Evening is scheduled for Thursday 19 September. This event will highlight the musical talents of our Senior students, offering a delightful evening of performances. We look forward to a night filled with exceptional music and memorable moments.

James Avram

Deputy Principal – Head of Senior School