Year 8 Pastoral Guardian

What is success?

As the end of the academic year draws to a close, richly deserved acknowledgement is bestowed upon many within our community for a successful year. On Tuesday night at the Mount Alvernia Awards Night, I felt immensely proud of our young women who were recognised for their success. But this success was only possible due to their self-sacrifice, grit, determination, hunger for exploring and expanding their potential, and the unfailing support of others, especially parents.

However, while strict criteria apply in measuring success for an awards ceremony, the measure of success is variable and knows no boundaries when it comes to the big picture of school and life. As a Pastoral Guardian, I see success in a myriad of ways and this, too, is worthy of acknowledgement.

So, how do Year 8 students define success, and in what ways have they experienced success in 2018?

Success is setting high standards for myself, working step by step to achieve them and enjoying the buzz at the end. For me, dancing in the Cultural Festival has been a highlight and moment of success because it is very daunting to dance, particularly tap because it is so challenging, in front of my peers. I love dancing and, after my performances, I felt proud of myself for pushing my comfort zone, and for achieving one of my goals for 2018.

Hannah Weston

Success is about effort, not always the result. This year I have worked really hard on developing my netball skills. To do this, I have had to really focus and apply myself during training. I am proud of my commitment to be a better netball player; consequently, I am also a better team member and have really enjoyed my netball season.

Amber Lawrey

Success is doing your absolute best and being satisfied with your effort. This year I have focused on improving my musicianship by dedicating more time to areas of challenge, rather than the easier skills. Now I feel more confident about playing, and in helping others to achieve success.

Amelia Spanevello

This year, our netball team were beaten almost every week! That meant, for our last game we played for either seventh or eighth position on the ladder. Today, our team played our final game like it was a grand final for the premiership. We gave our very best on the court, we played for each other, our coach and team ‘mum’, and we made sure that we encouraged and praised each other’s effort. In the end, we came seventh, but we had so much fun during the season, learning new skills and the importance of team work, and making new friends. We stayed strong, united, and positive and we looked forward to our weekly games. For me, we were successful!

Liza Kori

Success comes in so many forms. So, as your daughter looks back on her journey through Francis School and Year 8, please encourage her to look at the big picture when measuring her success: her effort and skill development, the quality of her relationships with others, the ways she has worked to be a better version of herself compared to the previous day. Yes, your daughter is successful and has much to celebrate. And of course, thank you, parents and carers, for the unfailing support, wisdom, and sacrifices you make, so that your daughter can experience and enjoy her success.

Success

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived;

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803 - 1882, American Author & Philosopher

http://www.goal-setting-help.com/emerson-poem-success.html

Jeni Barlow