It was so pleasing to see an excellent turn out last week for the visit of Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, and thanks once again to the P&F Association for financially supporting this important night.

Those of you who could not make the occasion now have some homework to do. You can access Michael’s website here  and on this website you will find a list of his books and articles that are available both as hard copies and can be downloaded for you to read and digest. He also provides helpful online resources about keeping mentally fit, both for adults and young people.

One of the key messages that he laid before us last week was how “resilience building” was the greatest protector against mental health issues for young people. There were five important dimensions to what this resilience looks like, and I reiterate them here for those who were not privileged to be at this evening:

i) Role models for empathy and social competence and connectedness with others (e.g. Coaches, teachers, etc.)

ii) Need for positive self-talk and trained optimism (positive outlook)

iii) Feeling safe, valued and listened to (within home environment as well as school)

iv) Developing islands of competence (interests and moments of “flow”)

v) Spirituality – a faith that is outside of the material; a transcendent point of focus.

Obviously it is this last dimension that we, the Chaplains are primarily here for, and we are concerned to see this develop in our young men. We would differ with Dr Carr-Gregg in suggesting, I think to an extent tongue-in-cheek, that allegiance to an AFL team would suffice to fill the “spiritual” or existential vacuum that we all have. Spirituality is a vitally important component of a person’s inner fulfilment. The only thing, in our view, that will ever truly fill that spiritual dimension of life, is a renewed relationship with the Almighty. To quote Saint Augustine, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

Please feel free to talk with us at the College if you need any further support or direction with the mental health and well-being of your children. Mr Stan Comino (College Counsellor and Psychologist) or any of the Chaplains are very happy to assist you in any way we can.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:6-7)

Rev David Williams
College Chaplain