This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. There are four Sundays in Advent and the theme this Sunday is HOPE.

I am reminded at this time of one of my favourite bible quotes:

'And now these three remain: Faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love.' 1 Corinthians 13:13

I am a person that almost always has a 'glass half full' approach. I try to see the best in everyone. I believe that all things, even the most challenging, will eventually result in positive outcomes somewhere, somehow. I am very optimistic. 

We often talk about 'faith' and 'love' but rarely do we talk about 'hope'. Yet hope is so very important for one's resilience and well-being. Being hopeful requires one to see the good that can be, to look forward to it and where possible be part of making it happen. Having hope can drive us to action. It can have such a positive impact on us, our relationships and our world.

Let us have hope. Hope for the world that can be healed. Hope for our children and what they will become. Hope for our our school and community. Take some time this weekend to think about where your hope lies. What are you hopeful for next week, next year, in the future?

'Once you choose hope, anything's possible.' Christopher Reeve

Mens-link 'Silence is Deadly'

Next Tuesday, members of the Mens-link team will be presenting their primary school 'Silence is Deadly' presentation to our Years 5 and 6 boys. We're very thankful to be able to provide this opportunity for our students to access this excellent program prior to their high school years. Having teenagers myself I know how important it is to keep regularly giving the message throughout their teenage years that seeking and accepting help when you are feeling anxious and low is a very good thing to do. The program organisers describe the program as follows:

Most young guys don’t talk about their problems. Whilst they suffer from anxiety and depression at the same rate as young women - around one in four - they are three times less likely to get help.

Silence is Deadly encourages help-seeking behaviour amongst young guys in Canberra’s schools by focusing on reducing the stigma associated with seeking help amongst young men. It also introduces participants to the concept of mental fitness as a means to develop their ability to cope positively with the inevitable challenges life will present them.

Presenters use personal stories to illustrate the concept that it is not weak to speak and that seeking advice about a personal problem such as a personal relationship or being bullied should be seen in the same vein as dealing with a physical problem such as a flat tire on a bike or a broken arm.

Key dates coming up...

Just a reminder that

• Semester 2 Reports sent home - 11 December
• Year 6 Graduation Mass - 11 December
• End of Term Awards - 12 December
• Christmas Concert - 16 December

Look to our school calendar on our website and app for more information.

Have a lovely weekend.