Recently Mrs Carmichael organised a training day for some of our new student leaders.
Representing Years 7-12, these students spent time together in the redeveloped spaces at the Reformed Church sharing ideas, listening to our guest speaker, Mark North from St Clements, and being challenged to think about what it means to lead others.
Exploring leadership through our school values of community and stewardship, faith, hope and love, our leaders were encouraged to share their ideas. In particular, we talked about how Calvin Christian School could support our students and build their sense of connection.
You might have expected that this question would elicit a long list of ‘things’ the School or teachers should be doing (as parents we are probably used to this). Instead, I was ‘blown away’ by the responses from our most senior students. Rather than pointing out what needed to be done, these students repeatedly raised their hands to talk about what they could do. They were full of ideas of how they could support younger students or students in need.
“... I was ‘blown away’ by the responses from our most senior students.”
This was just the most recent reminder for me of a phenomenon that always surprises and delights when it happens. It is an attitude of heart called ‘selflessness’, that willingness to place others and their needs first. It is such a wonderful thing to see and hear our students acting as compassionate people in a way that can transform conversations and lives in remarkable ways.
Selflessness is often so unexpected in our self-focussed and self-obsessed age. As we approach Easter, it is also a reminder of that ultimate act of selflessness. Jesus, who gave his life in an act of will so powerful, so revolutionary, that its ripples continue 2,000 years later, with the power to change lives, communities and nations. Our ultimate model of selflessness gave us a way into relationship with the living God and calls us to a life of selflessness.
Scott Ambrose — Principal