I hope this finds you all well and safe with the satisfaction of knowing 2021 has made us a stronger community. Although it has proven to be a tough year with its ups and downs, I am still grateful for all it has presented. Like many in our community, I have faced periods of anxiety about the unknown nature of where things potentially could have taken the College. For some, the anxiety of the unknown has been lasting. To them, I wish for a time of healing through a peaceful holiday as it is a peaceful state of mind that often allows solutions to come forward.
Recently I read some work by an American author Melody Beattie. In the small extract below, I feel she best explains what I mean.
“Anxiety is often our first reaction to conflict, problems, or even our own fears. In those moments, detaching and getting peaceful may seem disloyal or apathetic. We think: If I really care, I’ll worry; if this is really important to me, I must stay upset. We convince ourselves that outcomes will be positively affected by the amount of time we spend worrying.
"Our best problem-solving resource is peace. Solutions arise easily and naturally out of a peaceful state. Often, fear and anxiety block solutions. Anxiety gives power to the problem, not the solution. It does not help to harbour turmoil. It does not help.”
— Melody Beattie.
The College looks forward to 2022, knowing that the past is the past and we can launch into a new year that will see us return to a full year of wonderful activities. As always, our aim is to concentrate on the positive relationship building that then flows on to learning and character building.
To allow this to be our focus, we ask that families have all the basics taken care of. The College’s position on uniform, hair and the like has been made very clear. Please ensure time that should be spent on learning, is not wasted on having to correct avoidable situations that have been clearly communicated.
Thank you to those who have emailed or called highlighting the wonderful work our dedicated staff have done throughout the year. I thank you for your support.
Whatever your plans this Christmas break, I hope you have time to just turn off, relax and find the peace of Christ as you enjoy your family. Merry Christmas.
