with Linda Hogan Director of Secondary Teaching & Learning Norwest Christian College

Recently , during our Year 12 Study Camp , students and teachers spent some time considering what it takes to become , not simply proficient , but exceptional at a task . It is clear that the people who feature in social media People are Awesome videos have carved away at their craft over many attempts – likely many years .

Working towards this level of awesome would require imagination for the final product , possibly an exemplar to emulate and a criterion to judge themselves by . ‘ Fail ’ videos confirm that success doesn ’ t happen overnight ; there are many iterations of the attempts , feedback

processed , as well as perseverance to stick with it until they could accomplish the goal , that has led to such success .

The exhilaration communicated by so many people once they had conquered their attempt was palpable .

So too , our students have many areas of their lives which they have worked on over time , often for years , to become exceptional at a range of pursuits .

Under the guise of our Year 12 ’ s Got Talent event we uncovered a broad range of exceptional abilities evident within the group , including Caitlin ’ s incredible flexibility and expression as a dancer and Miles ’ agility with his voice to create incredible beats .

Also , Satya ’ s melodic interpretation and skill as a pianist , and Lyndon ’ s extraordinary capacity for algorithms as

he conquered a Rubik ’ s cube , both one handed and then blind folded - it truly was awesome !

In exploring these talents among our students , they were reminded that this same dedication to refining their craft is what is required as they prepare for their final year of high school . Each of them , from the ELC through to Stage 6 , have the capacity to learn something extraordinary when they attend to growing that ability .

Regardless of the pursuit , we know that what we attend to grows ; wherever our investment of time and energy flows is where we will bear the fruit of our

endeavours . In the bible , Paul teaches us in Romans that “ we have different gifts , according to the grace given to each of us .” ( Romans 12:6 )

In considering the fruits of their labour , students acknowledged that the first area to attend to is our relationship with God and with others . The achievements alone do not count for eternity , it ’ s how we live in accordance with God ’ s will that is our first calling .

Being awesome with the talents he has gifted us with is our next responsibility .

I am also challenged to consider what I have been attending to in my own life and through that attention , what is thriving and what has been wilting under neglect ? Perhaps you too , have areas that need some reflection and attention so you can grow the fruits of your relationships and pursuits , at whatever stage in life you are .

If you would like more information about education at Norwest Christian College , please visit our website at www . norwest . nsw . edu . au .