Finishing Well
One of the gifts of my job is to watch the development of our Seniors as they transition to being young adults.
Next week is Study Week for our TASC students attempting Level 3 and 4 courses. This is their final preparation time in the lead up to their exams. Just prior to this, we get to celebrate with our Year 12s on Celebration Day as they finish their formal schooling. This is always a bittersweet day as they make the transition from school into their next chapter of life. Last Wednesday, I was talking to one of our students for whom that was his last formal day of schooling as he will be at TAFE for the next 2 weeks. He commented that there may well be a few tears in his car before he headed home. That is how it often is in these major moments of transition; excitement for the next phase but also some tears because we will miss what we are leaving behind.
Our Year 12s have made some great memories, they have had some great experiences and have formed some lifelong friendships over their time at school. They have been taught a lot of subject content, what it is to be a contributing member of a community, what it is to serve, how to navigate relationships and about God’s deep love for them. It will not be easy to say goodbye to the known environment which is school. But it is time; time for them to spread their wings and leave the safety of this known space of Calvin Christian School.
“It is also important for them to remember that the results of their exams do not define them. ”
Before they leave, the final hurdle for many of them is their exams. Whilst this can be a somewhat stressful time, it is important to remember that life is full of times where we need to work under pressure and exams are no different. I often liken exams to a Grand Final. The result of a Grand Final is determined by the performance on the day but the performance on the day is largely determined by the preparation that has gone in beforehand. I encourage our students to prepare well, to do what they can over these next couple of weeks so that they can present on the day ready to do their best. They have the support of great coaches (their teachers) who can guide them well but, in the end, it is up to them to do the training so they can perform to their capabilities. No one can do this for them.
It is also important for them to remember that the results of their exams do not define them. Whether they do brilliantly or are disappointed, their worth is never defined by a number. They are created in the image of God, and he has plans and purposes for each of them that are unique to them.
Year 12, as you go, we pray these words from Numbers 6:24-26 over you:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Jane Morrison - Head of Years 11 and 12
