From the Principal

To lead is to serve

Last weekend, the Church celebrated the Feast of Christ the King. This Solemnity of Christ the King began in the early twentieth century. It was the time when the world saw the rise of totalitarian dictators, like Adolph Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Josef Stalin, with their claim of ultimate authority. The Church refuted their claims. Ultimate authority rests with one king only – Christ the King. At times, political rulers assert their power to achieve their own purposes. Jesus’ power is shown in his service to us and his willingness to lay down his life for us. 

A message of service is what I passed on to our Year 11 leaders this week at their Student Representative Council planning day. To lead well is to serve others. The Jesuit Maxim of developing ‘men and women for others’ is somewhat counter cultural to the ‘it is all about me’ message portrayed in modern society. I encouraged our student leaders to reflect on how their example can assist in developing themselves and other students as people of competence, conscience, compassion who are committed to God and the service of others. The ultimate example of leadership is through being a role-model.

This weekend, the Church moves to the period of Advent. It is an important time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas. The four Sundays leading towards Christmas can be a time of prayer, reflection and contemplation.

I read a story recently which emphasised the significance of looking out for others. It was written by a former trainer of American SEALS, an elite group of army and navy personnel. Their training was intense, and they were often surprised at the candidates most successful in navigating the course. It was not always the elite athletes or those with formal leadership titles who successfully completed the training. Invariably, a capacity to ‘look out for others and their welfare’ enabled candidates to find reserves of strength and perseverance in times of physical and mental fatigue. To lead is to serve.

Robert Henderson

Principal