Dear Parents/Carers,

As this term begins to feel like a runaway train and we head towards the end of the year with frenetic pace, one of the many responsibilities I have is the employment of staff for next year. This involved many interviews for full time and part time positions.  The process is always an interesting experience - trying to ascertain that a person will not only have the relevant qualifications but also be the right “fit”.

As I have methodically been working through this I thought about Jesus and his apostles.  If prior to appointing his apostles, Jesus had arranged with a recruitment agency to have them psychologically tested, he might have received a reply like this:

“Thankyou for submitting the resumes of the 12 men that you had picked for managerial positions in your new organisation.  Each of the 12 has been exhaustively tested. It has been generally agreed that most of your nominees lack the background, education and vocational aptitude for such an enterprise. They have no previous relevant experience for the job, and they have no concept of working together as a team.

Simon Peter is emotionally unstable, and given to fits of temper.  The two brothers, James and John, place personal interest above company loyalty. Thomas shows a sceptical attitude that would surely undermine morale.

Matthew has been blacklisted by the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce for collecting taxes for foreigners, and Simon has radical leanings and registered a high score on the manic-depressive scale.

However, one of the candidates shows real potential. He is a man of ability and resourcefulness, shrewd in dealing with people, and has contacts in high places. We therefore recommend that you appoint him as the leader of your enterprise. His name is Judas Iscariot.”

The apostles were very ordinary people. They were neither geniuses nor exceptionally gifted.  They were neither rich nor influential.  But herein lies a lesson for us all.  The Lord is not looking for extraordinary people but for ordinary people who can do ordinary things extraordinarily well.  Jesus sees in each person not only what that person is but also what that person can become. Jesus chooses us not only for who we are but for who, with His grace, we are capable of becoming.  I also think this is critical when I engage with potential staff as we enter a very important aspect of my work.  

Come to think of it, I suppose this is exactly what I’m looking for from my own kids!  What about you?

Go gently, as things start to speed up!

Michael Reardon
Principal

Principal Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received a Principal Award. 

Archer Linden, Andreas Gutierrez, Spencer Khan, Penelope Garbutt, Lucas Bladwell, Sophia Moraghan, Georgia Moraghan, Hayden Bright, Amelia Nelson, Antonio Fakher, Zac Gorman, Charkey Noonan, Leo Argenta, Isaac Bowen, Ruby Humphries, Audrey Shephard, Obinna Hampo, Oliver Dunbar, James Fitzpatrick, Eli Attard, Augustus Von Wartburg, Bejamin Moore, Ella Mulholland, Isla Wade, Aislinn Mulholland.