Dear Families,

Be more not have more

The theme of the Year 6 graduation ceremony last night was 'Be more not have more' which is an abbreviation of Oscar Romero's famous saying 'Aspire to be more than to have more'.

What a beautiful sentiment for us to consider in our Advent season. As society pushes us to want, to provide more gifts, to judge the season by how much we have it is such a gift to be reminded that being more is in fact the answer.

I spoke to the Year 6 graduating students and gave them some advice about being more. I thought I'd share a little with you.

Be more like your parents; be more loving, be more caring, dream more dreams for fantastic futures.

Be more like St Thomas; be more curious and ask questions, investigate more and find answers, be more committed and faithful.

Be more like your teachers; be more organised, plan more about what comes next, be more adaptable and flexible when things go wrong.

And most importantly 

Be more like your friends; be more joyful, find more fun in life, be more engaged, laugh more, be more silly and excited.

For us all I pray we can be more grateful. This is the true key to happiness according to researchers in positive psychology. When we are able to see our lives through a grateful heart and mind we are happier. This is why often those who do not seem to have very much are rich in their spiritual and emotional lives. When sharing time with family and friends this Advent and Christmas season take every opportunity to switch the story over and use grateful language to help spread love and positivity. After all this is what Jesus asked of us - to love one another.

Kind regards, 

Mrs Kate Dourley

Principal