All these people and achievements must be recognised. It is with immense pride that as a member of this community, we publicly contribute so transparently to our local and broader community. There is however a group of people here who make a lot happen, without the fanfare or accolades. I like to think of them as the quiet achievers.
One of the things I most enjoy about St Gregory’s is that these students are, too, a focus. The quiet students go about their daily business with a minimum of fuss, and help make St Gregory’s the place it is in 2023. The fact that these students are recognised in numerous ways throughout the year is evidence that we are continuing to produce fine young men and women.
First-world Western culture demands we be bold and sociable, we are encouraged to ‘come out of our shells’ and the media reinforces the stereotype of the extrovert as the best way to be. Anything other than this is treated as being in a ‘mood’ or even more accurately – a disorder.
In an article that I read recently, some interesting observations were made about these ‘silent achievers’. They included:
- Silence is okay.
- A serious resting face is normal.
- Being by yourself is fun, rewarding, relaxing and stimulating all at the same time.
- Eating alone doesn’t feel tragic.
- You take time to complete a task – doing it properly is better than doing it fast.
- You like people in small doses.
- You listen more than you talk.
- Solitary activities like reading are fun.
- You have a space where you can go and shut the door.
Some famous silent achievers include Albert Einstein, J.K Rowling, Steven Spielberg and Vincent van Gogh. Others include Michael Jordan, Harrison Ford, Bill Gates, David Letterman, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.
No doubt, our silent achievers too, will ultimately be contributors to the broader society in years to come. Let us ensure as staff, parents and fellow students we continue to let them shine.
Year 12 Graduation
We farewelled Year 12 in style the last Friday of Term 3, in a day and evening of great joy, and recognised the contribution of the leaving class and their efforts in their time at Greg’s. What struck me most significantly was the number of staff members who went above and beyond to ensure the Year 12 students and their families had a wonderful day and night. I am reluctant to single out individuals as so many contributed so much; the Cleaners, the Year Leaders, teaching staff to the ladies in the office, the Leadership Team, the Catering and Maintenance teams and the Music Department, all went above and beyond.
The second thing that struck me was the outstanding behaviour of the students from Years 7-11. They were encouraged to make their gift to the Year 12 students’ exemplary behaviour to ensure staff could focus on the Graduands. From all reports that was done extremely well, and I wish to publicly thank the school community for their cooperation and participation.
Parent Articles
Please find links below to two articles of interest. The first involves the use of social media. It takes one uninformed person to whip up a storm & before you know it, you’re dealing with huge panic. This has occurred a few times this year, particularly in the Junior School.
We have no choice but to monitor these chats to ensure we limit the damage to our staff and school born of ignorance. Consistent and repeated education regarding appropriate, respectful, and open communication channels is essential.
There has never been so much communication between school and families; online calendars, newsletters, principal emails, video broadcasts, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, our school learning management system and the College Portal.
As I have often said, if you are happy with St Greg’s, tell the world, if you are not, please speak to a member of the Leadership Team or the relevant person at the College directly, rather than venting on social media.
Group-Chat Culture Is Out of Control - The Atlantic
The second is a follow-up to my recent email about keeping children safe online and what you can do as parents to assist.
https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/parents-have-a-role-in-keeping-kids-safe-online/
May Mary our Good Mother and St Marcellin Champagnat continue to watch over our families.
Mr Matthew Brennan
College Principal
