Pastoral Focus

What a holiday really means

The end of Term Three is here – and the winter break seems long ago. I know both staff and students are ready for a holiday. 

The derivation of holiday comes from the word Holy day. holiday (n.) 1500s, earlier haliday (c. 1200), from Old English haligdæg "holy day, meaning both "religious festival" and "day of exemption from labour and recreation”.

I charge you with finding the time to exempt yourself from labour and find some healthy recreation. Read a book, walk through the bush or on the beach, play sport, take a long nap. Whatever it is that you do to relax, it can be on your own. (Sometimes we need to find some mindful peace) or with family and friends. 

The benefits of relaxation on reducing stress are well documented and coming so soon after RUOK? Day it’s important that we keep selfcare at the forefront of our minds.

At school, the final stage of selection of the 2025 student leaders is complete. Everyone now just needs to wait a little longer to hear the results at our Handover Assembly next term.

I feel it is important to acknowledge all the members of the Class of 2025 who stepped forward to be leaders. Not everyone could be successful, but it does not mean you failed if you do not gain a position, all of our Year 12s are seen as the leaders of the school and by working together you will most definitely achieve more. You can still offer support and ideas to the student leadership group and I am very confident they will warmly welcome the input of all of the Class of 2025.

Finally, to the Class of 2024, who are so close to the end of their time at St George’s, I wish you every success in what lies ahead and thank you for every contribution you have made in your years here at St George’s Anglican Grammar School. 

Mr Ian Thompson

Head of Pastoral Care - Wellbeing