Churchill Avenue News

As we come to the end of another year it’s time to reflect on all that has taken place over the past twelve months. I don’t think there is anyone in the community who would deny that it has been a somewhat difficult year with many challenges faced. Whilst these tested our resolve, the fact that we were able to come through them as a community speaks volumes as to what we enjoy here at the College. The resilience shown and the willingness to work together through these issues has made us stronger and holds us in good stead for the future. We also have to remind ourselves that whilst we faced challenges there were also many great things happening around the College, and for this we have to be grateful. It was on this note that I share with the community my speech from last week’s Afternoon of Excellence which focused on the importance the virtue of gratitude is in all aspects of our lives. Please enjoy the read and take the advice into the Christmas season, and have a wonderful break.

Staff, proud parents, and, most importantly, the wonderful students of Caroline Chisholm Catholic College,

As we gather here today to mark the end of another academic year, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and pride. The journey we embarked upon at the beginning of the year has been one of growth, learning, and shared accomplishments. Each one of you has contributed in some way to making this academic year a memorable and successful one.

To the students we recognised here today, I commend you for your hard work, dedication, and resilience. Your thirst for knowledge, curiosity, and passion for learning are the driving force behind your success and that of the collective College. You have faced challenges head-on, overcome obstacles, and demonstrated a commitment to excellence. As you move forward, remember that education is a lifelong journey, and the skills you have acquired this year will serve as a solid foundation for your future endeavours.

I also want to express my deepest appreciation to our exceptional staff. The unwavering commitment of staff to foster an environment of intellectual curiosity and personal growth is instrumental in shaping the minds of our students. Your tireless efforts, creativity, and passion for education do not go unnoticed, and I am truly grateful for your contributions.

I also acknowledge Parents, for their support. I thank them for entrusting us with the education of their children. Parent involvement in their academic journey plays a crucial and integral role in their success, and I encourage parents to continue fostering a love for learning at home.

As we reflect on the achievements of this past year, I want to examine the reasons or factors behind students having the success we have recognised today. Most of us would immediately focus in on things like hard work, dedication, resilience, persistence which are all key factors that I have spoken about in the past. Today I want to focus on an often neglected factor that I believe to be crucial not only for academic success, but general success in life and that is the virtue of Gratitude. Some might ask' 'how on earth would having an attitude of gratitude have a positive impact on my studies'? Let me try to explain.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a transformative virtue that enriches both our individual lives and the communities we engage with. Gratitude opens our hearts to the beauty and abundance that surrounds us, fostering a positive perspective even in challenging times. It serves as a powerful antidote to negativity, promoting resilience and mental well-being. When we express gratitude, we acknowledge the contributions of others, fostering stronger relationships and a sense of interconnectedness. This virtue not only enhances our emotional and mental states but also radiates outward, creating a ripple effect that elevates the collective spirit. Gratitude empowers us to find joy in the simplest of moments, appreciate the efforts of those around us, and approach life with a mindful, appreciative outlook. Embracing an attitude of gratitude is not merely a polite gesture; it is a transformative force that amplifies the richness of our experiences and enhances the tapestry of our lives. Having gratitude allows us to appreciate everything in our lives including our teachers, the great education system we enjoy in Australia and the amazing opportunities available to us and importantly we learn to appreciate our own gifts and those of others allowing us to apply these to all aspects of our lives including our education ensuring we make the most of the potential we have. Sadly not all of us appreciate and take things for granted when there are children in the world who would give anything to enjoy what we have. To further put gratitude in to perspective I share these wise words from Melody Beattie. “Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” 

In closing, as we celebrate the achievements of the student we recognised today, and finish the year I encourage you all to leave with a sense of gratitude, for the friendships formed, the knowledge gained, the lessons learned, the love and support you have enjoyed and let them serve as a stepping stone to a future filled with success, fulfillment, and continued growth. And let us take this gratitude into the season of Christmas and show our appreciation for our families and friends all that we have and not focus on the things we don’t. In the wise words of Oprah Winfrey “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Congratulations to each one of you, and I wish you a restful, rejuvenating and joy filled Christmas break. To our senior students See you all next year for new challenges, new opportunities, and new accomplishments and our junior students I look forward to finishing the year with you next week.

Thank you and God bless.