Star Board - Term One Week Two St Matthew's Collegiate School Weekly News

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

As I write this, I am mindful of the devastating events occurring in our world. Please keep in your prayers those in our community who are suffering, and those affected by the Turkey Syria earthquake.

I am going to share a couple of personal stories with you, events that happened in the break actually. One is a story of gratitude, privilege and responsibility; the other is about taking the time to talk and inspire.

My family lost our 15 year old niece days before Christmas. We travelled to my home town where her family still live to attend the funeral. Like many occasions such as these there is a mixture of deep sadness but also the happiness of reuniting with family, unseen for such a long time.

My son and daughter (Callum and Eden) travelled with me and they got to see their relatives, some for the first time. Time had clearly allowed for incredibly good fortunes to be acquired by some of these folk; time had also not been kind to others.

We had occasion to visit family. One of our relatives despite stretching the budget to host us did not flinch in their generosity towards us ( naturally we did bring a plate; it is what you do). My children were amazing.Raised well, they were courteous, helpful, and extended their thanks warmly as we departed. As we drove away my children were humbled by the generosity of our hosts especially as it was evident that they were struggling to make ends meet. Callum made the comment, “ Mum we are so fortunate and sometimes we forget that. I am so grateful for all that we have been given and provided.” His Dad later commented “What will you do with that privilege?”. His father was indicating that ‘“If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Cal’s decision has been to take up a position that allows him to enable others to better help themselves- for a lifetime.

Everyday we witness the plights of others- from devastation and loss caused by natural disaster to the devastation caused by a mistimed comment. At the end of the day it is all about giving of ourselves and our words a hand up.

My story now is Tony’s story. You recall that we invited Tony Gill to live with us so we can care for him as he struggles with MND ( Motor Neurone Disease). If I wanted to tell you what strength looks like I would say Tony is the personfication of strength. His capacity to find something to smile about, to make the best of a hideous situation is humbling.

This story starts on a day when the sun was shining. He decided to make the most of the weather and go out on his bright yellow mobilty scooter. As he rounded a corner up town he encountered a group of lads probably 11 and 12 years of age. He sat and smiled at them enjoying themselves running around and riding their scooters.

Naturally a staring smiling man caught their attention- and not in a good way. The older of the lads went up to Tony and said “ Why are smiling at us?”. Tony was a little uncomfortable but using his Marketing and Sponsorhip expertise he responded “ I really like to see young people out and enjoying themselves”. The older boy- quite forward and confident, asked Tony if he could take Tony’s scooter for a spin. Tone’s response: “ No Mate. I can’t stand up”. Naturally the boy asked how in the world Tony got on the scooter then. Tony told him “ my ex -wife’s partner has to lift me onto the scooter”. At this point in the telling of the story, I was geared up to go back up town and sort things with these lads- if you know what I mean.

All the boys had gathered around their friend and Tony at this point. Again the older boy asked “ What’s wrong with you?”. Tony ‘s response-“ I have a lttle disease and I maybe have six months left to live”. The moments of previous aggression turned to overwhelming sympathy and each of the boys went up to him and wrapped him in hugs and tears- “Sorry Sir” they said.

Tony’s departing remark to the boys was “ make the most of life boys and live life to the full”. “We will sir”.

Tony saw one of the boys a few weeks later and there was immediate recognition- “ Are you living life to the max?” Tony asked of the lad. “I am Sir”, and with a wave and a smile they moved on knowing that someone cared enough to talk.

Tony said to us as a reminder, that we are all so quick to judge and sometimes a few kind words and taking the time to communicate is all it takes to create understanding. His words to those boys had an incredible impact. It also made me remember that every moment of every day is important so let’s slow down and enjoy it.

I have included a couple of shots of the Gills.

Have a safe weekend and enjoy every moment

Ngā Mihi

Kiri