From the Chair of the School Board

When I was last asked to contribute some thoughts for Futurum, it was following the lockdown in 2020. On that occasion, I wrote about the dedication, application and professionalism staff at St Paul’s displayed during that challenging period. We have now only recently emerged from another period of lockdown and face the challenges of schooling with a range of new restrictions. The challenges may be a little different this year, but there is no doubt that the dedication, application, and professionalism of our staff remains the same.

I would like to acknowledge the adaptability and perseverance that our staff continue to show.

Paul Lutus, who in the 1970s developed the Apple Writer software, noted, “And the most successful people are those who accept and adapt to constant change. This adaptability requires a degree of flexibility and humility most people can’t manage.” It is clear that the St Paul’s team has been successful in managing to provide quality education and strong support for our students during the period of remote learning. They have shown the flexibility that Lutus speaks of, but it is wonderful to see that they have also done this with humility; a characteristic that reflects the attitude of Jesus Christ.

To be successful also requires perseverance. The 19th Century Scottish philosopher, Thomas Carlyle, gives us some insight into the importance of perseverance. He wrote, “Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.” The staff, the students and the parents – in fact the whole school community – have faced obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities throughout yet another challenging year. On behalf of the School Board, I wish to thank each member of our school community for the adaptability and the perseverance that has been so evident. I also wish to encourage you with the

words of Paul in his letter to the church at Rome. In the third and fourth verses of Chapter Five he says, “we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” effort. On behalf of the School Board and the St Paul’s community in its entirety, I say thank you to all the staff for their adaptability and perseverance through the many changes that have come, at times with very little notice. I also acknowledge the mature way in which the student body has responded to the changes and assure each member that I and the Board are praying that the disruption that has occurred will be put behind you as you continue in your studies.

May God continue to richly bless St Paul’s and its community.

It is clear that the St Paul’s team has been successful in managing to provide quality education and strong support for our students during the period of remote learning... but it is wonderful to see that they have also done this with humility; a characteristic that reflects the attitude of Jesus Christ.

Peter Mackie

Chair of the Board