Success (definition): noun
The accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
Synonyms: favourable outcome, successfulness, favourable result, successful outcome, positive result, victory, triumph
They came back from the competition wearing medals almost as big as their smiles.
Their pictures are online and in the newspaper.
They were amazing.
They are champions.
Cue: We are the Champions
The funny thing is I knew they were champions before they had even finished competing.
I knew because I had already received this note from a teacher from another school who had watched them prepare to compete.
I would like to congratulate you on their teamwork and behaviour. During lockdown they consistently demonstrated the meaning of team spirit – cheerful, positive and collaborative. All members contributed. They supported one another and built on each other’s ideas. The older students demonstrated outstanding leadership. They were highly creative. They drew on what they know and are passionate about. Their sound knowledge and understanding of various drama skills and techniques and music was apparent – a credit to your performing arts team. We chatted as we walked to and from venues. They were charming. Beautifully mannered, interested and conversational. They were outstanding ambassadors for your community.
This email was unsolicited. It was written because a seasoned educator recognised something special in our students and felt the need to comment on what he/she saw in our students.
I know getting medals and winning is great and our students deserve the rewards and recognition they achieve.
Great wins, great exam results, high ATARs, top scholarships, medals and certificates are wonderful, but you see real success and real winners in observations like the one above.
Sure, we get great results and our students win a lot of competitions, but more importantly we help grow great people and that is what our being a successful school is really all about.
SCAS Graduates will:
- Display, by their words and actions, a positive, Christian view of the world and their place in it.
- Understand that while they should be valued as an individual, their willingness to serve their community, now and in the future, will be a key to their continued growth.
- Have been shaped by the ethos and actions of the school and in turn, have played a role in the evolution of the school community towards greatness.
- Have been offered access to an education that not only allowed them to reach their academic potential but also provided them with the access to the knowledge and skills required to successfully enter the next phase of their lives as lifelong learners who are erudite, optimistic and disciplined.
- Understand the vital nature of change in the world and are prepared to face this reality with confidence and resilience.
- Be exposed to and given the opportunity to develop such 21st Century skills as agility, creativity and an ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Have developed leadership skills so that by their great and small actions, they will have the potential to make the world a better place.
 | Mr Terry Muldoon Principal, St Columba Anglican School |