“Happy wife, happy life” is a value that many couples appreciate. After seeing a two-year-old toddler behave badly at church recently I suspect many parents might say “happy children, happy life”. This statement if often echoed in interview meetings at the College when parents are asked what they would like for their child, the reply is, “I just want them to be happy”.
When considering the hopes and aspirations parents hold for their children, it’s quite common for the wish of their happiness to top the list. This aspiration reflects a deep care and concern for their wellbeing, which I admire. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that in the journey of life, challenges and moments of unhappiness are inevitable aspects. Life’s path reveals both peaks and valleys.
Rather than seeking happiness for our students, at Swan Christian College, our mission is to empower and equip children and young adults to flourish in life: to belong, learn and thrive.
Our Mission
Empowering and equipping children and young people to flourish in life by welcoming them into our College that is shaped by Christian faith and values and creating an environment where all within the community can truly belong, learn and thrive.
Flourishing can also be thought of in terms of a sense of wellbeing (Seligman, 2012) that comprises of positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning and achievement (PERMA model).
At Swan, we’re exploring what it means to flourish and thrive in a Christian context. Genesis 1:26 in the Bible tells us that we’re all made in the image of God. This idea is about relationships – just as God’s unity reflects a relationship, we see it in how humans relate to each other and to creation. The story of the garden shows us that our connection with God matters. This brings us to a different way of thinking about flourishing, considering the wellbeing of others or ‘flourishing for others’.
Following on, Nicholas Wolterstorff, a thinker, talks about flourishing using the word ‘Shalom’ from the Old Testament. According to Wolterstorff, Christian beliefs and the gospel are all about making others flourish. This flourishing in relationships with God, others, our surroundings, and ourselves is where true wellbeing is found. It’s about thriving together.
So, what can ‘flourishing for others’ look like? At Swan we seek to build strong, connected relationships with our students in our classrooms and in our Living Well classes. We strive to see our students living our values RISE: Respect, Integrity, Spirituality and Excellence in their everyday walk and to be kind to each other. We seek to have strong healthy supportive relationships with our parents and families.
When this is not a reality for you and your family, we encourage you to chat to your teachers, Curriculum Leaders, Deans and the leadership of the school. As we work together to achieve our mission, we trust that our community and students flourish, and truly belong, learn and thrive.
Dr Darnelle Pretorius
Principal