Striving for EXCELLENCE- Helping others to ‘do their Best’

At St Mary’s and all other Australian schools at the moment, the focus is on assessment and reporting. Students are busy completing assessments and teachers are busy writing reports. It can be a stressful time.

We must always remember that we are the perfect beloved creation of God. We must also remember that we were created in the image of God. That means we were all created to strive for excellence in all areas of our lives as Jesus did … in our work, leisure and relationships with each other and with our God.

As children in God’s family, we also have a responsibility to support each other as we strive every day to be more like Jesus.  

Jesus tells us to “Love one another” and Scripture tells us to do this by ‘encouraging each other and building each other up’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

With everything we say and do, we influence everyone we meet. Here are some ways you can help others see and realise the best that’s within them:

Believe in them: Having someone believe in you through good times and bad is priceless.

Encourage them: "You can do it. I know you can." Sincere encouragement can help someone ‘pick themselves up’, ‘persevere’ and ‘go the distance’.

Expect the best: Expecting more of us than we think we are capable of can spur us to persevere.

Tell the Truth: And tell it with compassion. We often avoid telling the hard truth because we don’t want to upset anyone. We want to be nice. But telling the truth is a loving act. You may be the only person who can or will say to another what needs to be said. And you can confront someone without being mean.

Be a Role Model: We automatically emulate our role models… and we’re all role models to someone so let’s be good ones. And remember - Actions speak louder than words. What we do has a bigger impact than what we say… and people are always watching and taking in everything about you consciously and unconsciously.

Share Yourself: We were born into this family of God to share our life journeys – the joys, troubles, sorrows. Too often, we miss the value of sharing and in doing so, we deprive others of our experience, our learning and our humanity. When you share from your own experience, especially your failures, you increase empathy and humility in others.

Challenge them: We all need to be challenged from time to time. Remind people of their commitment to being their best. Challenge them to pursue this, while offering support and compassion.

Acknowledge them: If you’re looking for the best in someone, you’ll see it. If you’re looking for their failings, you’ll see those. Catch people doing things right and tell them. When we acknowledge the good deeds of others, they tend to do more of them. Write a note. Send a card. Give them a call. Praise them in front of others.

Spend Time With them: We love what we give our time to. Show others how precious and appreciated they are by devoting your most precious resource to them - your (time). They will value themselves even more and want to do their best.

St Mary’s Mini Vinnies Team

Your gold coin donations for our Superhero Fundraiser day in Week 9 will help raise desperately needed funds for Vinnie’s COVID-19 Crisis Appeal. Donations can also be made online at www.vinnies.org.au/covid19crisisappeal or by calling 13 18 12.

Please remember to support our St Mary’s Mini Vinnies team in their efforts to keep the poor and homeless warm this winter with donations of the following:

• New thick socks
• New gloves/mittens/beanies
• Warm Coats, jumpers and scarves
• Sleeping bags

 (please make sure any used items are in reasonable condition)

Donations may be delivered to St Mary’s Primary School office.