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Better use of time

Thursday, May 17 2012 01:50

Time is an interesting concept.  At the end of the year there is an uncomfortable inquisition and a realisation that I have not done half the things I wanted to do.  I need more time.  As adults we are often time-poor.  This predicament is in curious contrast to the young who often want less time because it stands as a hostile barrier between them and adulthood.

It is sometimes challenging to get young people to understand the value of time.  Each day is a gift that allows us to see another sunrise, walk on dewed grass and listen to the sounds of nature.  Each night offers gathering at tables and a chance to talk and laugh with family and friends.  We need to recognise the joy there is in the present or now rather than hanker for the pleasures of the future.

There is no magical incantation that will guarantee more time, but there are things we can do to give ourselves a better time:

• Dine at the table in the evening.  Switch off the TV and talk.  Prepare not only the food but also the mood.  Let the preparation of the meal, the eating of the meal and the clearing up afterwards be a family affair.

• Set goals.  Someone once said "If you aim at nothing you will hit it!"   How do you want to improve?   What are your ambitions?   Write them down – build a GATE.

G-  GOALS - academic, social and physical

A- ACTIVITIES - what are you going to do to reach these goals?

T- TIMETABLE – When are you going to do these activities?

E- EVALUATION – How will you check you are on track?

• Adopt a cause, a charity, do Eddie's Van.  Sacrifice your comfort for the well-being of another.  It is a curious thing; the more we do to make another's life better, the better we feel ourselves.  Let's litter our life with kindness.

• Reconnect with nature.  This sounds a bit 'new age' but because we spend most of our time in a synthetic world, we can lose touch of what is real.  Go for a walk, stroll along a river or beach.  These are the kinds of activities that can heal the soul and maybe an opportunity for you to connect with your God.

• Commit to health.  Watch the diet.  Eat smaller portions.  Go for a low-carb intake.  Plan moments of quiet, of meditation and reflection.  Try exercising a little more.  If you spend 10 minutes in the morning stretching, make it 15 and walk the dog an extra block.

There are many things that can contribute to better time.  Some of these things also translate into giving you more time. 

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This week our young men in Years 5, 7 and 9 have been involved in  the National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).    I commend them on the very diligent way they have participated in this program over the last three days.  While this data is used externally, it is also used internally in developing our teaching and learning programs and the learning potential of each student.

Next week the curtain goes up on the Terrace/All Hallows musical production of Guys and Dolls at Twelfth Night Theatre over three nights 24-26 May.  Much work and preparation has gone into the production and we wish our cast, crew and musicians all the very best for what is always a wonderful display of exceptional talent. 

We thank Director Miss Rachel Morel, Miss Donna Rapisarda, Miss Emily Pollard, Mr Innes Harriman, Mrs Genevieve Claffey, Mr Brad Esbensen, Mr David Webster and all staff and parents involved in this production.

With the Cross-Country Championships almost upon us,  I am pleased to announce the following Captains for CIC and GPS Cross-Country:

CIC Cross-Country Captain:                     Jack Seymour

CIC Cross-Country Vice Captain:            Nick Erzetic

GPS Cross-Country Captain:                    Courtney Chambers

GPS Cross-Country Vice Captains:         Oliver Barry and Henry Coventry

This added dimension of leadership gives these young men an opportunity to value-add  to the team dynamic that is fundamental to the success of this team activity.

On Friday evening at 6pm in  the College Chapel there will be the launch of the book Patrick Ambrose Treacy, Christian Brother, Enterprising Immigrant written by Br Regis Hickey.  Br Treacy was very much a part of our story as the founder of the Christian Brothers in Australia.  He lived here on site and helped establish the early days of the school in the late 1800s.  We congratulate Br Hickey who researched and wrote this book.

On Saturday there will be a full round of GPS Football and Tennis against Nudgee College at Nudgee and CIC Rugby and Football against St Patricks at Shorncliffe.

Can I thank all those people who are involved in the many and varied activities that are a part of this vibrant community.

At this half-way point of the term, all students need to be strategic thinkers in how they are situating themselves for the next round of formal testing and reporting.  What we do in these approaching days has the potential to make the difference!

 

 

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