Message from the Principal

 Mr David Smith

Calrossy School Pride

 

A well-worn proverb suggests that “Pride cometh before a fall.” The suggestion is that pride and hubris are negative things. This can be true, especially if pride is connected with arrogance. However, an acceptable form of pride is the justifiable satisfaction one can take in achievement. It is natural and okay to be pleased as a parent when a child achieves something impressive or improves as a result of effort. Some forms of pride can be negative but to say “I am a proud Australian!” or to take pride in ones’ achievement and care about it is a positive thing. 

 

Red Aurbach, a Basketball Coach once said, “Take pride in what you do. The kind of pride I'm talking about is not the arrogant puffed-up kind; it's just the whole idea of caring - fiercely caring.”

 

This fierce form of caring is something we seek to promote at school. Our School leadership team has been talking with students at all levels about high standards, expectations and taking ‘pride’ in what they do at Calrossy, encouraging positive attitudes towards belonging, engagement and involvement. We believe that we care for these things, it enhances our culture and everyone benefits. Pride within a school is connected to high standards and wanting things to be as good as possible for the benefit of everyone in the community.

 

As I walked around our two campuses last week during Open Day last Friday I noted many things that stirred up my Calrossy pride. Some of these included:

  • Friendliness and warmth that our students show towards their peers and the adults around them.
  • The manner in which new students have been included and embraced.
  • A commitment to getting involved in the wide variety of things that are going on
  • The energy of the students and their zest and excitement to live life to the fullest.
  • The impressive way that many of our students dress themselves and present in public, wearing their uniform with pride, new and old.
  • Positive, respectful conversations and engagement with each other.
  • Articulate captains and school leaders who are able to share with visitors the things they love about their school.

This form of pride isn’t just about one day of the year (Open Day) but also about school life. Other things in our culture that I have recognised are:

 

  • The way older students take interest in younger ones.
  • The never say die attitude of our sports people, trying their hardest, whether they win, lose or draw.
  • The attitude towards hard work that help students achieve academic improvement, leading to outstanding HSC results and a strong value add in personal results.
  • The articulate manner in which students express their views and insight, engaging with each other, sometimes quite deeply.
  • Student willingness to think deeply about big issues, whether they relate to God, Science or some other area of interest. (I was even asked today “What do you think of Ukraine and Putin?”
  • The manner in which students have embraced change.
  • The strong house spirit that has been engendered and promoted by leaders and high level participation in carnivals and events.
  • Their willingness to adopt new technology and apply their skills and new and interesting ways.
  • That students identify the positive aspects of our community and want it to be a productive and inclusive place for all.

 

None of these says that our School is a perfect place or that every student engages at the same level. However, the walk around on Friday (and other regular observations) impresses upon me that we enjoy a rich community in which we can live and learn together.  Long may it remain! May we continue to grow in pride of our School and be committed to a culture of strong belonging, ensuring that we all reward from being part of our community.

 

I look forward to discussing this more with students, staff and the community to ascertain in what things they find pride. As a Principal I can determinedly say I am proud to be part of Calrossy, in partnership with our community.

 

Young person, be content while you are still young. Let your heart be joyful while you are still strong. Do what your heart tells you to do. Go after what your eyes look at. But I want you to know that God will judge you for everything you do. Ecclesiastes 12: 9  

 

David Smith

Principal


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