Chaplain’s Corner

Supporting Our Students In Exam Writing

The past three weeks have been busy ones for everyone within the School. Our Year 10, 11, and 12 students have been writing examinations and students have also been busy with final assessments for the semester. I have been encouraged by the work ethic and positive energy levels that I have seen, students studying together in our school library and even staying beyond the normal school hours to get help with their studies and prepare themselves for their examinations.

I was also proud to see some Year 12s studying together at the public library on a Sunday - never mind how cold it was. As School Chaplain, supporting my students in times of examination writing is very much in my heart and what I believe I have been drawn to this school to provide. Our society puts so much pressure on young people, not just to pass their exams but to do so with A grades! Society today celebrates those who excel academically, while it frowns on those who fail. But the truth is, failing is a normal part of a student’s journey. I failed several times during my high school days, yet I still made it! So, I counselled students to celebrate where they performed well and not to be discouraged where they did not do well. I reminded them about the wise words of Confucius, welldisplayed in the school lifts, that: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall!” To our students I say, be

RESILIENT. Just keep doing your best. Focus on the bigger picture. Be inspired by St Paul’s motto: “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…” (Philippians 3:13-14). Press onward – holidays are almost here.

Father Gift