An interview with Year 7 student Josh Taylor on Courage.

This edition of Spectemur highlights the interconnectedness of Courage with all of our School Values.

At Camberwell Grammar School we value courage because we see its benefit every single day. Here we explore courage and take a look at how it is viewed by members of our Middle School. Through our interactions, it became clear that courage takes shape in many forms and varies from one student to the next.

Courage allows us to stretch our comfort zones and accomplish feats that we did not think we were capable of. In academia, in our professional lives and in all of our favourite endeavours it is courage that allows us to continually exceed our personal best.

Establishing a culture that fosters courage requires respectful relationships at the core of the community. It is only when there is sufficient trust that we are prepared to remove our armour and wrestle with vulnerability.

Mr Troy Stanley

Head of Middle School

What are some of the highlights of Year 7 so far?

Well right now it is camp, I like being on camp. But in starting Year 7 also we are starting a new era in a new community. Not just that but the [school] work is also a highlight.

What are some of the biggest challenges and changes in going from primary school to Year 7?

The qualities of the school - it’s a bigger school, but a very nice community too. I’ve only been here seven weeks but there are very nice people, very nice teachers. The uniform is different as well, I have to wear a blazer and a tie. I’m still learning with the tie, my Dad is helping me though.

Who has been helping you this term with the challenges?

My family, Mum and Dad and my Brother, they help me. They encourage me a lot. Like when I started, I knew some people, but on the first day they told me to look around and find new friends.

How is that working out for you?

It’s good, I’ve got new friends. I have maybe 15 new friends.

How did you meet them?

Just by playing with them, playing sport, and meeting them in the form, House, and lunchtimes. The Teachers said in the first week, find some new people and hang out with them for the week, and you should make some new friends. I did that, I met some new people and we became friends.

Yes, I’ve noticed that even from day one, at Orientation Day, you were going around and really supporting the other guys in your House.

Yes I find if you go around and make nice comments and encourage people then you will make new friends, and they will also like you and they will see you are a good person. That helps.

Courage is one of our School values, can you think of any way that you or others students have shown courage this year?

I have used courage in terms of sport, but also with my school work. I have had the courage to put my hand up and answer questions [from the teacher], if I get it wrong I don’t mind, maybe I’ll get the next one right. And in terms of my friends, one broke his arm, and he still came to cricket as a team fielder. That showed courage. Another one of my friends sprained his ankle, he was trying to keep himself happy even though he could not go to camp.

In terms of new students starting Year 7, is there any advice you could offer them?

Give everything a go and try your best. If you don’t get into the thing that you want to just try harder. Don’t talk yourself down, talk yourself up, and keep your head up.

Courage is the strength in the face of grief, The ability to do something that may frighten you, The courage to care is not judging someone on their belief, Courage is the ability to help them see it through. Courage is being an upstander, When another is looking to you, Courage is being better than a bystander, When somebody is feeling blue. The courage you show can change one’s life, When they are down and in a lot of strife, From the country to the city and everywhere in between, If you show courage it will be seen.

Josh Day

Courage is the willingness to Overcome challenges, Understand danger, Resolve and confront hardship with Audacity. Go and be strong and Endure difficulty with courage.

Jason Li

Courage is virtue, to help when you’re afraid, On all and every occasion, when for your fear you would have paid. Understanding to face your fears, that’s what courage is. Realising that it’s best to try, that is your important quiz. Although fear is a fighter, you will be the winner, Gallant shall you be, Every time you have valour.

Jonty Neil

Brave and cowardly people are both fearful, but what differentiates them both is that one will face their fears.

Courage can come in many forms. As a kid, we are taught to always stand strong, brace and face our fears. This was represented in our minds typically as a brave knight fighting a dragon, or even Jack climbing the beanstalk.

Courage is not always about brute strength though. It comes in many forms. People need a clear and good mindset in order to face what they dread; and once they succeed, a feeling of gratitude is cast amongst you. Even taking a few steps in the right direction would send you on the correct path to show your courage. You might be a slow walker, but the thing to remember is to never walk back.

James Tsang

BULLIES AND COURAGE

You stand up tall, to every strike, that is courage, hidden in your dread. Even when you say you had enough, There is courage in every tear you shed. By a dim-lit corner, you cower alone, Their mere presence triggers cold sweat. Bullies are weak, cowards in disguise, Ignore them, wear a smile instead. Fear is real if you let it cripple you, For once listen to what it has to say. “Escape isn’t your sole option, bravery is just a thread’s width away.”

Orlando Kuti

COURAGE IS

The ability to do something, that frightens one, But once you succeed, You’ll have loads of fun.

Anything is possible, (Don’t take that too literally,) Just find the courage, And fill yourself with glee.

I’m not very good at poems, I apologise for the poor rhymes, Maybe I could’ve done better, But I simply didn’t have the time. And to finish this poem, I’ll end with a saying, Sorry it doesn’t rhyme, Cause I know that’s what you’re craving.

Success is not final, And failure is not fatal, It is the courage to continue, That counts.

Lachlan Dunne