GET TO KNOW OUR COLLEGE LEADERS AND HOUSE CAPTAINS

College Leader Bethany Corbett

As a leader I would describe myself as supportive, inclusive, and approachable.

My favourite TV program is 9-1-1, and I often find myself interested in shows around emergency services as my dream job is to become a paramedic.

My greatest sporting moment was competing at the 2020 Canoe Sprint Nationals on the 2000 Sydney Olympics regatta course.

My favourite songs are Kitchen by Ruby Fields and Affection by Jess Day.

Someone I admire is Chloe Dalton as not only is she a sporting superstar competing professionally in WNBL, AFLW and Rugby 7’s, she has also created the [female] athlete project which spreads news and awareness for women’s sport in the hope that females will eventually be recognised for their achievements to the same degree as their male counterparts.

In my spare time I like to read books, kayak, and go surfing.

Leadership means to me that I have the ability to make a difference in the community and ensure that everyone is heard and their needs and wants are fulfilled.

I have a pet dog whose name is Alfie.

To be a Lasallian Leader means to lead by example and help all those in the community to succeed.

Five words which best describe my personality are easy going, determined, friendly, focused and helpful.

A quote that I believe in is ‘All you really get to control is yourself’.

A teacher at SMC I admire is Mr Heath because he takes the time to get to know everyone in his classes, and then goes out of his way to remember your interests or activities you undertake and have a conversation about them.

Jaime House Captain Montana Dunbar

As a leader I would describe myself as an outgoing and supportive person who encourages people to be the best versions of themselves.

My favourite TV program is Bondi Rescue.

My greatest sporting moment was winning the Grand Final last year in school and club football.

My favourite songs are Sitting up by Spacey Jane and How Would You Know by The Grogans.

Someone I admire is my mum.

The best thing about attending SMC is the great opportunities I am provided with, and the positive school atmosphere.

One chore I don’t like doing is washing the dishes.

Leadership means to me to be a person who supports and encourages people, and someone who gives direction, sets goals and acknowledges everybody.

I have a pet dog whose name is Dusty.

Five words which best describe my personality are reliable, honest, loyal, friendly, and ambitious.

If I could create one change for SMC in 2021 it would be to have a heavier emphasis on career introduction and more life skills classes!

Something interesting about me no one knows is? I hate lollies.

YEARS 7-9 CHARACTER STRENGTH FOCUS

Week 8: Gratitude

The notion of what makes people happy has been the focus of discussion for centuries. The ancient Greeks, together with the Romans and many other cultures sought to define the secret to happiness. Are we any different today?

We are grateful when we stop and notice the things that we might take for granted, like having a home to live in, food, clean water, friends, family, even internet access! We can reflect on our blessings when something good happens — whether it’s something small or something significant.

Gratitude helps us to be kinder, more generous and more humble. In some ways, like kindness, it’s a protector – it’s hard to be negative when we view life through the lens of gratitude. It can help shift our thinking away from negative emotions such as resentment or envy, which don’t help our wellbeing, or our relationships. This affirms the ideas of Cicero (106-43 BCE) Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues but also the parent of all the others.

There are many researchers who have studied the impact of gratitude. Their studies have demonstrated a range of strong benefits that can result when we actively engage in nurturing this strength. These include better physical health, better sleep, reduced stress and stronger relationships.

Gratitude is a way for people to appreciate what they have instead of focusing on what’s missing. As a personal practice, it grows stronger and becomes more instinctive the more we use and practice it.

In the words of Lao-Tzu (c 500BC), “If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be fulfilled. If your happiness depends on money, you will never be happy with yourself. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you.”

One simple strategy is to focus on what went well during the day at dinner. It’s a positive conversation starter about things we may miss otherwise with our families and gives us an opportunity to highlight the good and watch the change on faces as they describe something they enjoyed!

The research would say, the more we stop to notice, the more we notice to notice! We can take the time to thank people or stop to appreciate a star-filled sky, or a sunrise or sunset. We can start now. What’s good about this moment?

Enjoy the little things this weekend ?

Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Learning and Wellbeing Initiatives Leader

THANK YOU AND WELL DONE YEAR 7S!

While we focused on the character strength of gratitude in Pastoral Care this week, students in Year 7 were thanked for the way they have approached the beginning of their journey at St Michael’s, with a personalized thank you card and a delicious muffin!

Tonia Carfora, Year 7-9 Learning and Wellbeing Initiatives Leader