From the Acting Assistant Principal
I am the first to admit that ‘Life happens’, and there are days when I do not make the bed. On those days, things don’t seem quite right to me. Upon researching the psychological impact of bedmaking, I found that there is support for the ritual being beneficial. Today, I invite you to reflect on this seemingly mundane task and Admiral William H. McRaven’s eloquent graduation speech at the University of Texas, Austin. He spoke about his top 10 learnings as a Navy Seal (the video went viral in 2015). His #1 learning was: “Changing the world starts with making your bed”.
I consider Admiral McRaven’s message to transcend the simplicity of bed-making. He emphasizes that this small act sets a positive tone for the day ahead, fostering discipline and attention to detail. As he says:
If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.
His point made me consider the parallels between making the bed and students meeting the College’s expectations. Just as the disciplined act of bed-making signals readiness for the day, adhering to the College’s requirements and expectations of students, such as completing learning tasks on time, attending classes punctually, and wearing the uniform correctly and with pride, reflects a student’s commitment to her personal best. This is why in O-Week, students workshopped our Expectations of Students. I invite you to read them.
Admiral McRaven proposes that when you embrace the habit of making your bed, you cultivate a mindset of responsibility and accountability. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing these habits. Encouraging our girls to prioritize the basics, whether it’s making their beds, using their Student Planners, adhering to the uniform policy, or managing their time effectively, lays the foundation for success.
So, the next time you witness your daughter making her bed, take a moment to recognize the significance behind that seemingly small act. It’s not just about tidy sheets and pillows — it’s about fostering a mindset of excellence that will serve her well.
Mobile Phones
I want to remind students that there is to be no use of mobile devices from when a student enters the College gates until the final bell at 3.15 pm.
When students need to contact home/parents during the school day, they should attend the General Administration Office to use the College phone or seek permission to use their mobile device.
Standard Collection Notice
Please note that from time to time, government authorities require information about students. The College, as a member of Sydney Catholic School, provides this information in accordance with its Standard Collection Notice and the Privacy Policy.
God bless,
