HSC is more than a number

Words by Trish Sara, Counsellor I 0438 388 336 I www.trishsara.com.au

Each year when I hear the HSC exams have begun, I reflect on what a stressful time it was for my two children, both now in their late 20’s. Midway through my daughter’s exams, I met a gentleman who shared a wonderful piece of his wisdom. Every year he would call any young people he knew who were undertaking the HSC, on the last day of their exams. His purpose was to heartily congratulate them on completing their school years. This simple but thoughtful gesture was his way of giving these students credit for an achievement which wasn’t linked to the mark they were to receive, but rather on the effort and work it had taken to complete this stage of their education. We see the beaming faces of the top scoring students in the media each year. Rightly they receive the praise and attention they have worked so hard for. However for many students, the disappointment of a target mark not achieved can be crushing and the cause of so much unnecessary heartbreak and loss of self-esteem. So often we link our sense of worth to the achievement or acquisition of something. However there is a danger that if we don’t meet our aims, we label ourselves failures. Rather we could focus on what we have achieved and how we can refocus and re-direct our efforts in ways that will serve us better so that we can be fulfilled and live a life of purpose. As parents, our role is to support our children and encourage them to be the best they can be. To be autonomous, confident, and compassionate adults and to pursue a career path that is their own - one that will provide fulfilment and satisfaction. The HSC mark is not who they are or who they will be in the future. Certainly it’s a landmark in their life, but it will not be the only one. The greatest gift we can give our children is to have faith in them, support them in their decisions and ensure they know and feel they are loved every step of the way. Neither of my children achieved the HSC results they aimed for. They were disappointed of course, but today they are two adults I am so proud of - not because of the jobs they do, where they live or what they own, but who they are as whole and wonderful human beings. 

Lane Cove Remembers

Lane Cove Council has organised a range of initiatives to commemorate the Centenary of the Armistice of World War One.

Audio Guide

Did you know the names of over 20 streets and places in the Lane Cove area have been named after people who have a connection to World War One? Find out the streets and their connection via a specially prepared audio guide. A red poppy will be fixed to the street signs at these locations from November.

In The Plaza

You are invited to write a message of remembrance as part of a special large poppy installation in Lane Cove Plaza. Write your message and place it within the poppy as part of this commemoration project in the heart of Lane Cove.

New Signal Box Artwork

A new artwork will adorn the signal box on the corner of Burns Bay Road and Centennial Avenue. The piece reflects the community’s connection to wars, conflict and peace operations.

Remembrance Day Service

In conjunction with the Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch, a Remembrance Day service will commence at 10:45am on Sunday 11 November in Lane Cove Plaza. If it’s raining, the service will be held at Lane Cove Library.

Free History Talk

Join Graeme Davis from the Lane Cove RSL Sub Branch and principal of Family Military History as he discusses the Armistice and the implications it would have on a brave new world. Tuesday 13 November, 6:15pm - 8:00pm, Lane Cove Library. Bookings: 9911 3634.

For a copy of the audio guide or further information on any of the above activities, please visit Council’s website www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/lanecoveremembers