Endings and Beginnings

It was wonderful farewelling our 2023 Year 12 graduates at St Parick’s Cathedral last week. We thank Father Eugene McKinnon for presiding at a beautiful Mass in recognition of the class of 2023. The Eucharistic celebration included reflections and prayers of thanksgiving for the last 13 years of school and for the learning and wisdom that has shaped them into the wonderful young adults they have become.

Now we move into a new learning space with Early Start for our current students and Orientation for the 2024 Year 7 students. So the journey begins for new and exciting opportunities that lay ahead. Whilst this is the case, for some of our students change can come with some reluctance and even anxiety. This brought to mind a beautiful reflection from author Trinidad Hunt that aligns with the Damascus Strategic Plan and the Be My Best motto.

I share theses words of wisdom as we move into a new year of learning, even though the busy-ness and time of year suggests that we might all feel like it’s time for a rest.

The Difference Between Mediocrity and Brilliance

For many years I have wondered about

The difference between the mediocre

player and the Olympiad.

First, I thought it was love of the game.

Then I thought it was discipline. Then I

thought it was intention. Then I thought

it must be passion. Then I understood it

to be persistence. Then I thought it must

be optimism. Then I thought that it was

endurance. Then I thought it was vision.

Then I considered that it might be focus.

Then I believed it was tenacity. Then I was

sure it was dedication and commitment.

Then I realized one day that it was all

of these and one thing more.

The defining moment between mediocrity

and brilliance is the moment when you’re

not in the mood. The defining moment is what

each player does on the day when he or she

doesn’t feel like going to practice, while the

true Olympiad gets up, isn’t in the mood,

and goes to practice anyway.

So, if you want to be the best that you can

Be get up every day and go to the metaphoric

playing field of life. Then give it your all. In

spite of the fears or challenges, give it all

you have, and you too will be a winner.