Perseverance 

I am writing this Messenger article after the first day of skiing we have had as part of the Year 10 PASS ski trip. The trip has been safe so far, and the students have been having a good time.

Being out with the students today did get me thinking about a few things, particularly around the role of challenge and adversity in our lives.

Today we had 76 students and 10 staff begin the day on the snow. Some have skied before, while for others this was their first time. The students received lessons and instruction in the art and science of skiing and boarding and began the journey together. As the day progressed, we experienced a range of weather conditions: some periods of sun, strong winds, snow, and at times a combination of all three.

Between new and developing skills, changing weather, and inevitable falls, there was plenty of challenge and small ‘a’ adversity. Many students hit moments where they were tempted to give up and head inside to the warmth with a hot chocolate. Instead, most of them dug in and pushed through—they got up and tried again. The result was the gift of growing in their ability to ski or board. It is a true privilege to witness students persevere through challenges like this.

Unfortunately, this grit, drive, and perseverance is waning in our broader culture. There are many reasons for this, and while it isn't true for everyone or every situation, there is a clear trend.

One reason is the constant stream of messages that shortcut the hard work and perseverance parts of life. Our movies, shows, and reels present a life that is all finished product, graduation, or victory. We rarely get insight into the thousands of hours of practice or a view of what someone was like at the beginning; at best, we get a short montage or a 60-second snapshot. We also don’t rub shoulders often enough with people older than ourselves to share the hard-won wisdom of time.

The reality is that skill, ability, habits, and maturity are cultivated through hundreds of hours and thousands of interactions. They are like muscles that need to be constantly worked to grow, even though working them can be hard and uncomfortable. As parents and teachers, it can be tempting to remove or reduce that pain because we love our children and want to help. However, stepping in too soon can prevent the very growth we are seeking to cultivate.

At Green Point Christian College, we look for opportunities to encourage students in their challenge zones. This occurs in classrooms every day, but also at carnivals, on camps, and even on ski trips. We seek to provide opportunities for perseverance so that students, after training on the little things, will be equipped to persevere through the big things.

PRAYER AT THE POST

You are warmly invited to join us as we gather to pray for our school, our students, and our broader community.

annual foundation day

Our Annual Foundation Day Assembly is just around the corner. This special event is a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on our school's rich history, celebrate our enduring traditions, and honor the foundation upon which our community continues to grow.

Please note that this particular event is an exclusive gathering for our Alumni and current students only. We look forward to welcoming back past students to share in this meaningful occasion alongside our current cohort as we celebrate our shared heritage together.

Please see the flyer below for details and registration.