From Br Steve Hogan fsc
Greetings,
Marcus Aurelius once said “Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it to be beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity”. God has given all of us talents and as a Catholic Lasallian school, it is our duty to inspire students to aspire to greatness – to be the best that they can be in all aspects of their lives. To ‘let their light shine’, any less is denying the possibilities of creation itself. Whether it be the upcoming HSC or End of Year 11 exams, classwork and assignments, the Allwell or NAPLAN assessments, rugby, dance or drama, the service of others, a Lasallian Youth Leader, the smile as we enter the door, the honesty and respect we show to others, we are to do all things to the best of our ability.
On Friday 20th June, the College Assembly recognised several hundred students in academics, sport, dance, drama and in co-curricular activities for their hard work, dedication, diligence and commitment – fine representatives of Oakhill College doing all things to the best of their ability.
In this Newsletter I would also like to express my appreciation to all the wonderful parents who contribute to the life of the College through the Gala Day, the Musical, as coaches and/or managers of teams, or on the sidelines of fields, sports courts, theatres and classrooms. All research shows that parental engagement in whatever form correlates strongly with higher levels of academic achievement and personal success of their children. Parents being parents to the best of their ability.
Over the past week I have received three unsolicited emails to enquiries@oakhill reporting and affirming the College on incredible leadership and civility shown by Oakhill College students in the community. It takes a village to raise a child. Together staff and parents are that village and form wonderful young men and women. To the wonderful young men and women, thank you for trusting us and supporting our vision for you. You do well!
Year 11 is presently in the first rounds of the College leadership process for 2025. The Forbes magazine defines leadership as “a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task", or in its ontological form, a leader is someone who gets people to realise their own future. Lao Tzu, a contemporary of Confucius, defines leadership as “when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves”. I describe this more simply and metaphorically as someone who plants seeds (ideas) and helps them grow (service). Leaders are people who do stuff and make stuff happen – a process of social influence.
Leadership that inspires and enables others to improve their lives is to be encouraged as it is a catalyst for improvement and growth. Quality, service oriented, and entrepreneurial leadership doesn’t just happen. Leadership that moves a situation from good to better to best will happen more effectively when it is nurtured.
For Reflection:
Mark 3:20-35 spoke about people misunderstanding Jesus, but it never stopped Jesus from being who He was to be. We also experience being misunderstood often and often it is painful. Several years ago, Fr Vincent from St Madeleines, Kenthurst, wrote, “There is a time in our lives when we are misunderstood, misinterpreted, discarded, unloved and criticized. How do you face such moments in your life? Who is the source of inspiration for you to brush aside all the mockeries and invalidations and move on in your life? I wonder how people deal with such debilitation without faith and connectedness. Jesus can be a ‘refuge, fortress and shield’ to face the unfair criticism and treatment we all experience”. Faith ought to lead us to be men and women of compassion and kindness.
Kindness I believe is underestimated – such simple small acts of kindness can have a huge impact on our own mental wellbeing and that of others. Simply put, be kind to one another in thought, deed and action: kindness that is inclusive; kindness that is respectful; kindness that is accepting; kindness that is empowering.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday.
Br Steve Hogan fsc
Principal