Courage doesn’t always have to Roar!
Last Thursday, I had the privilege, along with Mrs Hunter and ten students from both the Maddingley and Woodlea campuses, to attend the Thriving Minds “Philosophy Day for Thinkers” program at La Trobe University. It was a fantastic day of mental challenge, exploring deep questions about life, morality and the importance of following logic before making decisions. The seminar was hosted by Oxford scholar and lecturer Julie Arliss, and there was also a Zoom session direct from the UK with Dr. Andrew Pinsent, Research Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion at the University of Oxford.
The day’s aims were to improve thinking skills, foster intellectual creativity and encourage systematic and rigorous thinking about modern day issues. Of particular note was a topic of great consequence: virtuous behaviour, a vital element in our school’s Character Education Program. Specifically, the virtue of courage was discussed, what it is, why it is important, the criteria that embody this virtue, and how we can display it daily in our lives.
Courage, by definition, is acting with bravery in fearful situations and is often symbolised by the lion. However,
“Courage doesn’t always have to roar!”
For some, courage may simply mean showing up to school each day, raising a hand in class to answer a question, or standing on stage to perform in the school musical (which many talented students did last week in the school’s brilliant production of Chicago). In her discussion of courage, Julie Arliss went on to say, “The small things really matter; they really make a difference!” I would like all our students to recognise this. Being courageous means showing up and doing the small things, even when we feel under pressure, because these small actions add up, and before you know it, your courage has resulted in a big outcome.
Andrew Perks – Deputy Principal: Culture and Character Education