Thrive 

Term 4 Pillar: GRATITUDE 

As we begin Term 4, our school community turns its focus to our final pillar for the year, Gratitude. 

Gratitude is about recognising the blessings already present in our lives and taking the time to say thank you- to God, to one another and for the many opportunities we have been given. 

After a year filled with learning, growth, achievements, friendships and new experiences, Term 4 is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and how much we have to be thankful for. 

Scripture reminds us: “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 

As we move towards the excitement of Christmas, this pillar becomes particularly important. Christmas can sometimes become focused on what we want, what we are receiving or what comes next. Instead, we want to encourage our students to recognise what they already have and to experience the joy that comes from being grateful. 

At the heart of Christmas is the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus Christ. God’s gift to us reminds us that true joy is not found in having more, but in loving more, giving more and serving others. For this reason, our pillar of Gratitude will also encourage the virtues of generosity, service and humility.  

We will challenge our students to ask: 

• What am I thankful for? 

• How can I show my gratitude? 

• What can I give rather than receive? 

• Who can I help or serve? 

• How can I bring joy to someone else? 

St Padre Pio reminds us that everything good ultimately comes from God. In writing about humility, he encouraged his spiritual children not to take pride in the good they possessed, but to recognise that every perfect gift comes from above and to give God the honour and glory ‘with infinite thanksgiving.’ 

Throughout Term 4, we hope our students will discover that gratitude is more than simply saying ‘thank you’, it is a way of living. When we recognise how blessed we are, our gratitude can inspire us to be generous, humble and willing to serve. 

May this term be filled with thankfulness for what we have, joy in what we have achieved, generosity towards others and gratitude to God for the greatest gift of all, Jesus. 

‘And be thankful.’ Colossians 3:1