From the Principal 

​Celebrating the Ordinary

Recently, I had the chance to speak with our students at an Assembly about a topic close to my heart - finding beauty in the ordinary.

During a visit to the National Palace Museum in Taipei earlier this year, I was struck by two artifacts: Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone. These pieces are celebrated not just for their intricate craftsmanship but for transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary art. They serve as a reminder that beauty often lies in the simplest of things.

This idea isn't new. It's found in the teachings of the Bible, where Matthew advises us to admire the simple elegance of flowers, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.” (Matthew 6:28-29). Similarly, Mary Baker Eddy encourages us to seek heaven in our immediate surroundings, urging us to appreciate the divine harmony and beauty of the everyday.

In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to overlook the simplicity and beauty in everyday life. Modern philosopher Alain de Botton reflects on this human tendency, noting our unhappiness stems from failing to appreciate what is right before us, always yearning for what might lie beyond.

I shared these thoughts to urge our students to look beyond the surface and appreciate the spiritual qualities of everyday objects and moments. Without balance in our lives, it’s difficult to gain the sense of self allows us to achieve all that we are capable of.

As we embark on the many challenges and opportunities Term 2 promises, may we always find the time to pause and consider the wonder of this world that surrounds us.

Mrs Shan Christensen

Principal