From Father Gift

Find Your Brave: finish strong

In my 15 years as a School Chaplain, I have seen how the last few weeks of the school year, filled with exams and assessments, can feel overwhelming for students. This is why teachers and parents need to step in as their biggest cheerleaders.

At St George’s, we do that by encouraging our students through our annual school theme: “Find Your Brave”. This year, Mrs Campbell and I have used Chapel worship, Academic Awards and other assemblies to inspire bravery - challenging students to try new things and believe in their abilities.

This year, our students have achieved remarkable success in academics, sports and the arts. Recently in Chapel, we reminded them to reflect on these achievements and trust that with determination, they can overcome any obstacle.

As Nelson Mandela said: 

“After climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb!”

Exams are just some of those hills. Each experience should make students braver, showing them that conquering one hill means they can tackle another, and another.

Last week, we reflected on Psalm 23, where King David declares:

“The Lord is my shepherd; therefore, I lack nothing.”

David drew confidence from his past victories over a lion and a bear. That courage gave him strength to face the Philistine giant, Goliath - believing that if he could defeat fierce beasts, he could overcome this bully. Armed with only a sling and a stone, David triumphed over Goliath, paving the way to become Israel’s future king.

This is the kind of bravery we want our young people to cultivate: to study diligently, complete their assessments, and trust God to handle the rest.

Fr Gift Makwasha

School Chaplain