Principal Reflections
A Short Message from Dr Jake
Dear Parents & Friends,
The experience of true friendship must be one of life’s most treasured gifts: the enjoyment of shared interests and pleasure, the development of deeper levels of understanding and communication, the standing together at times of crisis and suffering. In an increasingly impersonal and materialistic world, good friends are precious indeed!
Deep friendships are becoming rarer these days! We have acquaintances and casual friends, but few of us enjoy the intimate life-changing relationships that last. No real and lasting friendship just happens; it is built and continues to be built over a lifetime. It needs to be nurtured, encouraged and cared for just as any other living thing must be. The quality of the bricks we use will decide the quality of the friendship.
We all have, I’m sure, good friends ... people we can rely on to be there for us no matter what. It may be a spouse or a relative or other friend. There are some special qualities that make this person such a good friend. Some are obvious - good listener, same interests - whilst others are not so obvious, even hidden!
The first essential quality of a lasting friendship is giving. True friendship begins with the decision to be a friend, not have a friend! What we put into a relationship is usually returned many times over.
The second quality is the breadth of interests that we share. If we are real friends, no jealousy or competition will twist our relationship but will work together, sharing commitment to a common cause.
The third vital quality is encouragement. I need to be there in the hard times, giving help and support. If I fail my friend here, I fail them in their deepest need. Just being there, available, may be all that is needed ... knowing that you will always be there is a comfort.
The book of Ecclesiasticus says, “A faithful friend is the medicine of life”. Good, deep friendships must be the elixir of life then for without friends, we cannot be fully human. We have to be, and to have, friends. Friendship is much, much more than words; friendship must show itself in the loving actions we have for one another ... the way we greet others, talk to them, talk about them ... the way that Jesus would have been a friend to us!
“A friend is one who knows all about you and loves you just the same.”
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.
Peace & Best Wishes
Dr Jake Madden
(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)