WORDS: Michelle Cockrell
As you walk through our campus, you may notice three key words displayed prominently: Character, Commitment, and Community. These core values are not just ideals but the very foundation of who we are and what we strive to nurture in our students. At our College, we are dedicated to the holistic development of each child, recognising that education goes beyond academic achievement. By teaching and modelling these values, we prepare our students to navigate a rapidly changing world with confidence, integrity, and purpose.
Character reflects the development of moral and ethical strength, such as honesty, integrity, and perseverance.
Commitment emphasises dedication, hard work, and perseverance towards goals or causes, such as lifelong learning and service.
Community highlights the importance of relationships, working together, and building a supportive environment that fosters growth and mutual respect.
What does character mean for our College community?
Cambridge Dictionary defines character as “the particular combination of qualities in someone or something that makes them different from others”. In other words, character shapes how we act, the decisions we make, and how we interact with others. But beyond the dictionary definition, character is something deeply planted in the way we choose to live our lives. For us as a Christian College, character is about reflecting Christ-like qualities in all we do.
The Bible offers a clear vision of character in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the Fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” These are characteristics that define a life lived in step with God and one another.
As we pursue these virtues—love, joy, peace, patience, and the rest—we are living out the character of Christ. Take patience, for example. In a fast-paced world that often encourages instant gratification, patience teaches us to wait on God’s timing, to endure hardships, and to show grace to others. Similarly, kindness and gentleness are vital in building strong relationships with our peers, teachers, and wider community, reflecting the heart of Christ in our daily interactions. Self-control, also one of the fruits of the Spirit, plays a foundational role in shaping character. It equips individuals to make wise decisions, and act with discipline even in challenging circumstances. By practicing self-control, students learn to navigate difficult situations with grace and maturity. This strength of character not only benefits their personal development but also allows them to contribute positively to the community around them.
So, how can we apply this to our own lives?
Small Acts, Big Impact: Building character isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s the small, everyday decisions—choosing to be kind when it’s difficult, remaining peaceful in stressful situations, or showing self-control when tempted—that help us grow into people of character.
Learn from Others: In our College community, we are surrounded by role models—teachers, leaders, friends—who exemplify these virtues. By observing and learning from them, we can grow in our own character.
Commit to Growth: Developing character is a lifelong process. It requires commitment and the willingness to keep growing, even when we stumble. Through prayer, reflection, and community support, we can continue to develop the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Our aim is to be a College of character, where we encourage one another to strive for these qualities. We aspire to be people of character—steadfast in love, rich in kindness, and grounded in faith.
