Values In Action

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first two terms at Launceston Grammar. It has been a joy getting to know all the students, staff, parents and other community members and I’ve considered it a privilege to listen to everyone’s different school experiences.

One of the key themes I’ve noticed throughout my conversations has been the School’s emphasis on character development, which I see as a product of our deep and rich Anglican heritage. Over the past term we were reminded of this long legacy through the adoption of our five Christian values: love, grace, humility, costly service, and hope.

Even though these values might be newly adopted, they are far from new to the character of our School, and I have witnessed our students and community living them out in a number of ways.

 

Goes beyond feelings, it is the continual choice to care for and uphold the inherent dignity and value of those around us. This kind of love is ultimately demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (1 John 4:7-12).

Our value of love sits at heart of Grammar’s commitment to building connections with New Horizons Tasmania Disability Services. At the end of Term 3, I joined the Grammar students on their weekly visit to New Horizons. The students were reading to the participants some of the books authored by other students during this year’s ‘Book Blitz’, where students worked together to write a book in a day. As they read, I saw no sense of superiority or disinterest on display by our students, but rather, they spoke as they would to peers, upholding the dignity and value of the New Horizons participants.

The heart of the Christian message says that God offers us undeserved grace in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8), which results in forgiveness and reconciliation. It is out of God’s grace we encourage personal responsibility for our own actions, constructive resolution of conflict and extending forgiveness to others.

Over Term 3, I have found it a great privilege to attend each of the Junior Campus assemblies. As students practice ‘The Grammar Way,’ they are encouraged to put grace into action by being safe, responsible, caring and respectful. It has been wonderful to watch the Junior Campus students take responsibility and participate in different parts of these assemblies. I’ve been particularly impressed that mistakes are not met with giggles or judgement but rather encouragement to try again.

Jesus exemplified humility, and in following his example Christians are called to “value others above ourselves” (Philippians 2:1-3), therefore we seek to put the needs of others before our own.

As I arrived at the Senior Campus on the first day of term, I was delighted to see Grade 12 students standing in front of the library serving hot Milos. They weren’t there for awards or accolades, but rather to serve others. This to me is a great example of the humility that regularly characterises my interactions with the students.

Is the outworking of our first three values. Just as Jesus “came to serve, not to be served” (Mark 10:45), gave his life for others (1 John 3:16) so too, we choose to use our status, our resources, and our influence for the good of others before ourselves.

All through the year the Grade 12’s have practised costly service as they have sought to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In the last week of September, the Ice Bucket Challenge was held as their final fundraiser for the year. Grade 12 students cooked the barbeque, served others and a few brave students even took part in the challenge. Yet it wasn’t just the students involved. Our teachers modelled costly service as well. Senior Campus teachers Dale Augostin and Tori Haeusler, as well as our Principal, Dale Bennett, in his full suit, set aside power and privilege for the good of others by joining in the ice bucket challenge as well.

Stands as a counter to the cynicism and condemnation that seems to pervade our current culture. The Christian message reminds us that we are all works in progress, and we can live and work towards future transformation (Romans 8:18-21).

Our final value, hope, is practiced in many ways throughout the School. One of the key moments for me was at the Grade 10 formal. Fergus Broomhall had the task of reflecting on the year and in his speech, didn’t shy away from mistakes made. He also encouraged his fellow students to be prepared for the future, to live with hope and to think beyond today. This wasn’t a new concept for anyone. It felt entirely like it was just part of the expectation of the students of Grammar.

These are just few examples of the character of Launceston Grammar that I have witnessed on display. It seems to me that our values are not new, but rather they are a fresh articulation of what the School already holds dear. I am filled with great hope for what is to come.

Reverend Alastair Crouch, School Chaplain