Term 4 in schools is a special time for acknowledging students’ work and achievements over the year. This term includes the farewell of Year 12 students as they complete their school journey, Presentation Night, Early Learning Centre Nativity, Year 6 Graduation, Year 1 – 5 Awards Assembly and much more. The successes over a school year of individuals within the community are widely celebrated, often captured in photos and highlighted in marketing campaigns.
While celebrating achievements is often associated with success, it’s important to recognise that growth can be celebrated even in the absence of outward success. Cultivating a sense of self-worth and joy when goals, hopes, and dreams have not been achieved is challenging, but it is something many of us have experienced. Imagine the perspective of a student who did not receive an award on Presentation Night, or the Sportsman of the Year title, or missed out on being elected school captain despite delivering an outstanding speech. Is there room here for celebration, and what might that look like?
Paul’s words to the Romans beautifully address this paradox of “missing out” or facing disappointment:
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5).
This notion of perseverance leading to character is the idea of something being etched into the soul. And when enough is etched, true character formation takes place, which ultimately becomes the source of hope—hope for the future, hope that one can make a difference, and hope that the place where they stand will become better because of their presence.
Character formation is arguably the most significant part of growing up and becoming an engaged and active citizen. The journey is full of highs and lows, but if we can look back and celebrate the times of difficulty, acknowledging that we have persevered and emerged stronger, then that is truly something worth celebrating.
Dr Darnelle Pretorius
Principal
