Principal's Message Week 7 Term 3

Are you committed….enough?

When you accept an invitation to attend an event, a dinner, or a social outing, what are the social mores and expectations of honouring that commitment? As adults, do we accept invitations with every intention of attending, or do we wait and see what else comes up, or how we feel closer to the day, and then potentially reconsider our attendance and/or participation?

I am fascinated by contemporary social customs that some folks possess, which are loose in the interpretation of what constitutes a real commitment. Clearly it is ok to send an inability to attend if someone in your party becomes unwell, or there is an emergency. I have noted with my own adult children that there have been occasions where at the last-minute, invited guests have merely sent a text message signalling their change of heart or mind.

I was always taught that if I have said “yes”, then that means I turn up. Even if some “better” offer comes along in the interim. Even when I would rather stay home, or am tired, or just don’t feel the motivation, I should turn up. In other words, if I commit, then I have committed. I have made an obligation.

Our children learn valuable lessons from honouring their commitments, to their family, their friends, and their team. Whatever that team is. Especially if it is a team. When we belong to a team, others are relying on us.

The band is compromised if the horn section is missing, or there are gaps in the bottom end of the texture and harmony. The sporting team is compromised severely if there is no goalie, full back, or centre. In addition, the morale of the team is also adversely affected. What might have been a success (or a win) may now not be feasible. Being on a team means counting on each other. When we don’t commit to the rules of engagement, we let ourselves down, we let our colleagues down, and we let the organisation down. At one end it is simply disappointing, at the other end, it has the potential to breed distrust and disengagement. And it can be contagious! If others don’t commit, then it breeds a half-hearted culture that easily spreads.

There are times when it would be tempting and even easier to forfeit, or fold. Grit and the honouring of others’ time and energy, sit at the heart of commitment. So does simple good manners. We hold ourselves accountable for our decisions, and we also at times need to hold others similarly accountable.

I am always pleased when I see others step into the breach to help a friend, or a team. I am delighted when our boys are there for each other and glean real joy from being in the company of one another and competing in a healthy way. I get a buzz from seeing the collaboration and camaraderie that comes from working together towards a common goal. And I derive satisfaction from the knowledge that in doing all of these things, our boys learn valuable life lessons about not letting someone else down, but instead, building them up.

Dr Craig Wattam

College Principal

DISCOVERY TOUR - Thursday 27 August

Join us for a Discovery Tour this Thursday 27 August, 9am to 10.30am and see ATC in action! Meet College Principal Dr Craig Wattam, connect with staff and students, and explore our state‑of‑the‑art facilities. Experience the energy of a boys’ school and see how our outstanding educators inspire hard work, motivation, and a love of learning. Discovery Tour: Book Here