Dear Parents and Guardians,

As Year 11 and 12 exams come to an end tomorrow and results are released, I have no doubt that some boys will be ecstatic and others not so.  The same could be said for the boys who will compete tomorrow at the Athletics Meet.

On Father’s Day, I read an article about quitting and how we raise our boys and accept that they need to sometimes fail to become better people.  The message was that it is ok to lose, and it is ok to make mistakes.  The term “as long as you did your best” has never been more apt.  It takes hard work, determination and perseverance to dust yourself off after a disappointment and come back bigger, better and stronger.

The article referenced the famous and gifted rugby league player Johnathan Thurston, who was publicly shamed in a scandal in 2010.  He was given a final chance and told he was in danger of throwing away possibly the greatest career in league history.  He could have quit but instead he responded, realising that potential to be the greatest ever, but more importantly a role model and leader.  Imagine if he had thrown in the towel, instead he learned from his mistakes and accepted the challenge.

When your boys receive their results from the classroom, athletics track, pool, basketball court, and they are not what was expected; please help them understand that it is not the end of the dream, nor will it ultimately determine whether they have a good life.  Having another go is what life is all about.

Enjoy your weekend.