COVID-19 UPDATE 

Please ensure you have read the latest Compass Communication (19.8.20) in regard to updates to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols for Term Three. Please note we are doing our best to continue to provide a well-rounded education which, for most, still includes sport.

We are hoping to provide an update to Year 12 surrounding our plans for a Year 12 Awards Presentation/Graduation. Unfortunately, unless Government regulations change, this will remain parent/carer free. Details to follow.

“GRIT”

In her 2016 book Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, psychologist and author Dr. Angela Duckworth emphasises that the secret to anyone wishing to succeed is not talent per se but a particular combination of both persistence and passion – something which she calls “grit”.

Duckworth defines grit as: “the ability to persevere in pursuing a future goal over a long period of time and not giving up”. She further speaks about the criticality to possess stamina: “Grit is sticking with your future, day-in, day-out. Not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years and working really hard to make that future a reality. Grit is living life like it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Research studies over recent years have invariably shown that ability and intelligence alone will not predict success. Interestingly, Duckworth suggests that effort is twice as important as ability. Accordingly, she suggests that you need to put effort in to build your talents into skills – but that this can only happen through both practice and the process of improvement.

For Duckworth the degree of “grit” exhibited will drive the degree of attainment and ultimate success.

While the Bible itself does not specifically use the word “grit”, two words are very close: steadfastness (1 Corinthians 15:58) and endurance (Luke 21:19).

Steadfastness is all about possessing a willingness to “stick at” what you are doing, while endurance is all about moving forward to reach your goal/s despite 

considerable challenges or even self-doubts that may present.

Thus, an important addition to Duckworth’s work is the importance of faith and hope. “True grit” is strengthened and activated through God’s grace. In Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians he writes: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective. Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God [that is] with me”. (1 Corinthians 15:10) Therefore, our faith, the power of our belief and the general hope we possess that things, can, and will, improve are ultimately empowered by Christ. And, there by the Grace of God, we can face challenges with confidence and a genuine belief in improvement.

Given the current COVID-19 world in which we live, what a great time to emphasise and practice the use of “grit”.

UNIFORM

Our new College uniform is finalised now, and we are thrilled with the outcome. Students and staff who have seen the final product are very excited and we look forward to initially showing the entire Year 9 and 10 cohorts (students who will move to the new uniform next year) the various garments at upcoming Year Assemblies. I am currently having a graphic produced which will be shared with the community in the coming weeks. Stay tuned.

PRAYER

The following prayer from Babette Chatman (Augsburg University) has been adapted:

Let us pray,

Lord, You are our keeper and our preserver.

We have a promise spoken by the words of the prophet Isaiah, that You, loving God, give power to the faint and strengthen the powerless.

We know that our ability to be resilient and to show “grit” comes from You. We thank you that You are our help in all situations, yes even in these times of unprecedented circumstance You are an ever-present help.

As the world changes around us, help us to embrace the change.  As we are stretched to our limits and beyond, be our elasticity to snap back better than before.

Grant that we may find calm through Your divine peace.

May You help us find the persistence we need to pursue our own passions and interests in life and give us the strength, through Your grace, to place effort into all that we find important - despite the challenges thrown our way.

May our guide be empathy as we journey together as one humanity through these uncertain times toward recovery and Your new creation.

It is in Jesus the Christ’s name we pray.

Amen