School Operations

What Will You Bequeath?

Recently I have been thinking a lot about the idea of bequeathing. Whilst it sounds like a ‘ye olde’ notion from another time, it isn’t all about wills, inheritances and the squabble over material possessions at the passing of an old great aunt that we didn’t know we had. What I have been noticing around our school is a much more modern idea - that we can be deliberate in bequeathing constantly throughout our lives. It is not just what we leave behind at the end of a life, but what we choose to give to others throughout our lives. This is what I see in our St George’s students every single day. 

This is one of the ideas that sits at the heart of the wonderfully whimsical novel Theo of Golden which I thoroughly recommend for a heart-warming, contemplative read. The power of generosity, wonder, purpose and kindness are at the heart of the story of Theo, a newly arrived visitor to the town of Golden, systematically buying and then gifting, personal portraits exhibited in a café to the people who posed for them, with the ensuing friendship and connection changing all of their lives. The story reminds us that what we leave to others is not necessarily measured by its monetary value. We can bequeath knowledge, courage, kindness, wisdom, friendship and hope. Sometimes, the most significant things we pass on cannot be held or owned at all.

Our St George’s students demonstrate these values every single day. In the past week I have witnessed many acts of bequeathment by our students, who recognise that the honour and privilege of a St George’s education brings opportunity, but it also brings responsibility to ask "what will we do with what we have, and how can we share these gifts with others?"

At our school here in the city, bequeathing happens every day. In the past week, it has been through service learning, handing water to participants in the City to Surf as an act of generosity on a chilly Sunday morning, to support those who are themselves offering their service for a cause. It is through worship and gracious reflection during our termly Eucharist services, where students contributed their voices, music, reflections and prayers to the spiritual life of our school. It is in serving as a Mentor, welcoming new students to our St George’s family and helping them navigate their way across our two campuses so they don’t feel lost on their first day. It is outlined in the commendation email that I received from a member of the public who witnessed two of our senior students assisting an elderly passenger on the Airport Line. 

It can been seen in our Year 11 students putting their hand up for a Student Leadership position, not simply for a title or a badge, but because they want to give back to St George’s, represent those who look up to them as senior students, and the desire to be a steward for those who come after. 

These moments may seem small, but together they form a legacy. 

Every day gives us an opportunity to leave the world, our school and the lives of others just a little better than we found them. Or, to quote Theo of Golden,

“If it makes us better somehow, maybe that’s what gives it value.”

Mrs Shannon Allen

Dean of School Operations