Dear members of MLMC community
It is well and truly autumn and who would have thought that there would be predictions of a 35 degree-plus day at the same time as we are experiencing the AFL playing the first round of its winter season. Both these things are of interest as both the weather and the AFL are seasonal and although the cycle may be the same, no two seasons are ever really the same. Similar perhaps, but each has its nuance. To me such concepts provide opportunity for reflection on change and the cycle of life.
Among the many things that I browse I came across a beautiful story about The Pear Tree and the Seasons of Life — the author of which is unknown.
The Pear Tree and the Seasons of Life
There was once a man who had four young sons.
Wanting to teach them about the dangers of judging things too rapidly, he decided to send each of them on a journey, one after the other, to a distant pear tree.
Each son went in a different season, the first in winter, the second in spring, and so on.
At the end of the year, he brought his children together and asked them what they’d seen.
The son who’d travelled in winter described a gnarled, twisted, and barren tree that stood stark and ugly against the land.
The son who went in spring disagreed. No, he said, the tree seemed full of hope and promise, with green buds along its branches.
The third son, who’d travelled in summer, disagreed once more. The pear tree he’d seen was covered in beautiful blossom that looked and smelled divine.
Finally, the last son, who’d made the journey in autumn, disagreed again, describing a tree laden with sweet and delicious pears that tasted better than any he’d eaten before.
When each son had spoken, the father said they were all correct, because they’d only seen but one season of the pear tree’s life.
He explained to his sons that it’s foolish and impossible to judge something in this manner.
The essence of something, whether it’s a tree or their fellow man, can only be measured as a whole, at the end of the year, having seen it in its fullness. To make your judgment in winter is to miss the promise of spring, the beauty of summer, and the fruit in autumn.
I think this is a great story and one from which we can all learn about ourselves, others and the process of change.
Firstly, it reminds us not to judge ourselves or others based on a single mistake or a particularly challenging time. Each of us has incidents whereby, for whatever reason, we do not perform at our best. At these times we need to understand why, look to improve but to understand ourselves, by forgiving ourselves without being judgemental.
Secondly, we need to apply this same concept and understanding to others. We never know what is happening in other people’s lives, and we have no idea of the potential that is yet to come. It is easy to be judgemental and call for retribution and punishment, rather than seeking to understand and finding forgiveness within our hearts without being judgemental.
Many of our students remind me of this each day. Watching our Year 12 students each week serve the community in Lilydale by staffing Catherine’s Cafe. They provide food and drink to those who seek it, but more importantly they listen to stories and share of themselves with those who choose to seek their company. This is a gift and is offered in a non-judgemental way. Our students simply offer the gift of time and attention and what a gift it is.
At Mount Lilydale Mercy College, we cherish the concept of commentary involvement and community voice within our College. We actively seek it and listen to it, but in so doing we must consider the whole cycle like that of the pear tree.
Community Forum Group
Next Wednesday at 7.30pm we will host the first of our Community Forum Groups (CFG) for 2023. This is a process set up last year to ensure that community members have a voice in College protocols and policy. It is also a group in which possible change is discussed. Two topics under consideration will be:
- vaping (how do we keep our students safe)
- College policy about hairstyles — the College Captains and the SRC will be presenting.
Again, it is through consultation and discussion that we grow, so if you are interested in joining this group as a regular attendee or for this one-off meeting, please email me at principal@mlmc.vic.edu.au. If there are other things you want discussed, email the topic as well and we will see if it can be added at this meeting or in the future. Once I have attendees I will formally set an agenda and inform you of the venue to ensure we cater for numbers. Please consider this opportunity to support the College in our change processes.
Athletics Carnival
Last week the College held its House Athletics Carnival and we were blessed with a great day. We further blessed by the support of staff and student leadership to ensure the carnival atmosphere of the day was a highlight. I am thankful to the Parents and Friends’ Association, particularly the parents who volunteered their time to provide food and drink to our students. These simple acts support us building community, but also ensure a successful day.
Open Day
The College Open Day is fast approaching, on Monday 27 March from 4.00pm, and we look forward to showcasing and celebrating our whole College. Obviously, this event is aimed at future enrolment and specifically Year 7 2025, but let us also enjoy the celebration of our community.
In the Spirit of Catherine,
God bless
Philip A Morison
Principal
