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a healthy church...transformingLIFE

Tasmanian Anglican

March 2005

 

 

 

 

 


One of the prefects of St Michael's Collegiate School led the singing in the Year 12 induction service held at St David's Cathedral.

 

A New Start to a New Year

by Julie Rimes

 

 

To show the importance placed in students' leadership, St Michael's Collegiate School began the year with a service in St David's Cathedral in which all the leaders for 2005 were inducted into their roles.

The service marked a new beginning for the leaders as they begin their final year of school. This service was only one part of a series of leadership workshops and events designed to assist students in enhancing their leadership growth and development, as well as providing skills for life.

Cake mix

As Principal Robyn Kronenberg said, 'I think it is really important for all of our students to learn to be leaders, and to understand the dynamics of leadership. Leadership is like a cake mix: you need to take a cup full of character, three tablespoons of courage, and a pack of friends. Add five cups of humility and three cups of trust, and then let it rise.'

Staff at Collegiate had already spent a week together in preparation for the year. At her first address to staff for the term Robyn Kronenberg drew the staff's attention to the importance of role models and reminded staff of the effect that adults have on children.

She quoted a small verse entitled: Children Learn what they Live ... which said:

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance and friendship, they learn to find love in the world.

In recognition that the adults in our schools need nurturing too, there was an emphasis in fellowship and enjoyment throughout the week. Robyn Kronenberg believes that there is a great need among staff for affirmation, healing, encouragement, support, and celebration.

Delightful

Last year the Collegiate Spirituality Committee agreed that one way to nurture staff was to have a day of communion and fellowship. A day of prayer and reflection, led by Fr David O'Neill, was held during the staff week. Early one morning the staff gathered together in St Raphael's Church at Fern Tree and then spent the day in a variety of quiet and contemplative activities. On one of Hobart's beautiful warm days, it was a delightful way to start the school year.