Principal's Post

What are your strengths? What are your gifts that shape your everyday thoughts and actions? 

I often quote a line within our school prayer: “Help us to be aware of the gifts you have given us and discover what you are calling us to do in our lives.” These gifts are within us.

Below is a list of the 24 character strengths as identified by VIA. I encourage you to take the free survey. All our students do this aspart of a subject called Positive Education. 

My top strength is prudence …. not surprising some may say. Not glamorous - I am what I am.

Recently, I was within a Positive Education class. All year10 students. They were reviewing their top 5 character strengths. Such a review opens conversations:

“My top strength is ….”

“What’s yours?”

“Yeah, that’s you.”

“Not sure about this one.”

A bank of Year 10 boys were discussing their Top 5. All four boys were typical of the age group.  Let’s say their names were Barry, Larry, Harry and Bob (atypical names for 2026) yet appealing for this post. What do you think was a common characteristic amongst these young men?

All four had the characteristics of “love” as either their top or second strength. With a description of love being: “I experience close, loving relationships that are characterised by giving and receiving love, warmth and caring.”

I was not surprised. There is a real tenderness amongst teenage boys. Parents of boys know this. However, just like all of us, conditions of safety and acceptance are  necessary for such traits to readily revealed. 

It is hard being a teenager. Over the past week, our Year 8and Year 10 students explored the complexities of life as a teenager – feedbacksurrounding this program has been overwhelmingly positive. Our Student Representative Council (SRC) took part in a workshop that fostered their enthusiasm to do good for their community. Each day at FCJ College provides a vehicle for learning.

A big question is: how do we foster the gifts of each student. How do we foster Barry, Larry, Harry and Bob’s (and all our students) genuine love for the other, in our education and day to day life. A noble challenge. 

Jesus said it well: ”love one another.” It is as simple and as complex as that. 

List of VIA character strengths:

Creativity, Curiosity, Judgment (Open-mindedness), Love of Learning, Perspective, Bravery, Perseverance (Persistence), Honesty(Integrity), Zest (Vitality),  Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence. Teamwork (Citizenship), Fairness, Leadership, Forgiveness, Humility (Modesty), Prudence, Self-Regulation, Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Humour, Spirituality.

I invite you to take the free survey to discover your gifts/strengths:

https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-via

Pro Deo Semper

Joe

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