Star Board Term One Week Three

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

You will be receiving this when we are potentially three quarters of the way through Twilight Athletics.

Desiderata- Advice to serve

I adore this poem by Max Ehrmann’s . It is "Desiderata," a poem that is there to teach you something, He wrote the poem for his daughter. It contains practical advice for day-to-day life, moral and religious philosophy, and ethics.

He is giving advice to remain calm amongst the bustle of everyday life and to practise silence. Be on good terms with people without giving up personal values and assertiveness. Do not be argumentative but remain calm in interactions with others, to whom you should be respectful and attentive, even if you consider a person to be dull or ignorant. Everyone has a right to be heard.

Avoid people who are loud and aggressive, as they may upset your balance. There is nothing to be gained from comparing yourself to other people as there will always be those higher and lower in the pecking order. Comparisons can lead to vanity or bitterness. Keep it simple and enjoy your own achievements in life …. or your plans for you.

Whatever you do, treasure your career, job, choices- and do your best, as it is better to be employed, however humble the work might be, than to be unemployed. Be grateful that you have something that you do. Be cautious when conducting financial transactions because some people will attempt to deceive you. But despite the fact that there are many fraudsters and not so very nice people, do not become blind to the fact that there are also many good people, who have high moral standards. There are heroes in every walk of life.

Do not pretend to be the type of person that you are not, or to have feelings that you do not have. Most of all do not pretend to like a person when there is no love in your heart. But do not underestimate the power of love, which survives in the most terrible of circumstances. Defer to the wisdom of the older generation. Develop a strong character that will help you to survive the things that are difficult, but do not imagine bad things that may never happen - you may be thinking of such things because you are tired or lonely.

Do not be overly self-critical. You are part of an all-encompassing universe and no less important than any other component within it. You may not realise this, but there is a purpose for us all.

Accept of the reality of God, or a greater power than human, whatever you imagine 'Him' to be. Maintain a clear conscience. Despite the things that do not go the way we want, the world is still beautiful. Remain cheerful and, most of all, put your best efforts into being happy.

Have a great and safe weekend.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Boarding Note

The focus this year in boarding is connecting with others, finding ways to contribute, and enjoy being part of the St Matthew’s boarding community.

We have had another action-packed week with most sports codes getting underway, more athletics and swimming heats, fun with the water guns, arts and crafts afternoons, and on Wednesday night another group of Year 11-13 boarders played in the Carterton Netball twilight competition.

Many thanks to Fizz (tutor), Kiera, Audrey, Katelyn, Anneliese, Ella, Lola, Abbey and Michelle for the time they put into decorating the Main House foyer for Valentine’s Day. Your contribution was greatly appreciated by us all.

Look forward to seeing you next Friday at our school swimming sports.

Have a great weekend!

Jo

Shrove Tuesday

On Tuesday morning the school gathered on the bottom field for Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races. Well done to Wake House who were the winners!