From the Principal

Leaders of hope

German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, once observed famously about Christianity: 

‘If you want me to believe in your redeemer, then you’ve got to look a lot more redeemed.’

Being surrounded by positive people with a positive outlook on life is always refreshing and life giving.

Good leaders are often ‘leaders of hope’. At this week’s Secondary Assembly, I displayed an image showing former basketballer, Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, and his equally famous former College Basketball Coach, John Wooden. It shows two pictures, decades apart, with the coach giving directions to the young basketball star and then the later photo of the basketballer lending a helping hand to the elderly former coach.

Two of our teachers, Mr Andrew Osnain and Mr Simon Carrello, are passionate basketball coaches and followers, and were able to provide meaning to the photos.

They indicated to me that Kareem went on to become one of the best basketballers ever and then established a career as a writer and an activist. He was criticised as unpatriotic for boycotting the 1968 Olympic Games, but he felt that underlying issues of racism were far more significant than representing his country. He received great support from Coach Wooden at the time which was significant given the coach’s standing in the game and the differences in their heritage and background. They ultimately had a 50 year friendship and provided great mutual support over many years.

Mr Osnain related a story of watching a basketball game in the United States which was attended by coach Wooden. When his presence was announced, the crowd gave a huge ovation.

This week we have had important marches in Australia protesting sexual abuse and harassment of women. Today is a national day of action against bullying and violence. Last Friday, the College celebrated ‘Live Simply Day’ as part of our Lenten preparation. Our nation requires leaders of hope and optimism prepared to generate a change of attitudes and practices. 

Robert Henderson

Principal