Message from the Principal
I have sometimes been accused of being too optimistic; for not only seeing the glass as half full but, in fact, believing the glass is overflowing. I do not have rose coloured glasses and when things go awry, I can become sad and disillusioned.But I do have a seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of optimism and joy from which I can draw; part of which comes from my genuineness in thanking people and being grateful.
I did not know until recently that this particular mindset I have can actually be physically better for me, as indicated by the two reports below.
Did you know that giving thanks can make you happier?
Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain
In fact, there are hundreds of similar reports available through a quick search online.
So, as the year draws to a close, it is easy for me to name some of the things for which I am grateful and which I believe have contributed to a great year for our community:
- I am grateful for the gift of the Eucharist, celebrated each Friday in our College chapel by our generous priests from our surrounding parishes. They make these weekly masses a priority in their hectic parish schedules. I am grateful that our girls prepare the celebration with their teacher to make it a more meaningful and personal experience.
- I am grateful to my staff for allowing me to work with them, to see the fruits of their incredible labour with the girls and to share their challenges too. I am grateful that they trust me with their personal life stories too.
- I am grateful for the fabulous young women at this College and their many wonderful stories of courage and determination, success and disappointment, loss and hurt. I am sure I will continue to be inspired by these young women and I am very grateful to have the privilege of my role.
- I am grateful for the parents and carers of our girls, who work with us so that, together, we can provide the best education possible for each girl. I do thank parents for respectfully challenging us. We can all improve! However, I am especially grateful to you for showing your appreciation of the work our staff here do on a daily basis, adding to the strong foundation of trust that exists.
- I am grateful to our staff who will be leaving to pursue other courses in their careers and in their lives and remind them that no matter who you are or how long you have been with us, your presence has had a significant impact on those with whom you interacted. You have contributed to our St Ursula’s story and your hard work and dedication have made a difference in the lives of the young women of this College and to their families. Thank you to: Mr David Schuler, Mrs Doreen Schuler, Mrs Michaela Slater, Mrs Angela Bowland, Mrs Samantha Whittemore, Mrs Cathy Stewart, Mr Jason Green, Mrs Maria Nguyen, Mr Alok Abraham, Ms Rachel Bevan, Ms Lauren Barrett, Mr Paul Boon, Ms Michelle Wilson, Ms Jessica Colussi, Ms Margaret Finnemore and Mrs Therese de Vine.
I know that the year has also had its share of sadness and disappointment, but I believe that there is much for which to be grateful. Only you can decide whether to have a glass half full or a glass half empty mindset. I respectfully choose to be glass overflowing.
Finally, as the Advent season comes to an end, I am so grateful to be part of a global Christian community that waits for the birth of a baby at Christmas. I am grateful that my God chose to send His Son to walk among us and be among us as our Emmanuel – there can be no greater gift imaginable for which to be grateful.
I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you and your loved ones and extended family and friends a most blessed Christmas and I do look forward with eager anticipation to entering 2020 together.
Be safe and keep well.
May Emmanuel – God who is with us – bless you all abundantly.
