A Prayer for Small Moments of Joy

School Visit

This week we were delighted to welcome representatives from the Diocese for a school visit, providing a wonderful opportunity to showcase the learning, growth, Catholic identity and strong community spirit that make San Clemente so special. Our visitors were highly impressed by the pride and warmth shown by our students and the professionalism of our staff. They also affirmed our clear direction as we prepare for Stage 6 in 2026. As always, we have received helpful feedback that will guide our continued growth — especially in developing our learning spaces and ensuring consistent excellence in all we do. We are grateful for your ongoing support as we celebrate these achievements and work together to strengthen the future of our College.

Brief Emotional Uplift: Small Moments That Make a Big Difference

At San Clemente, we know that wellbeing isn’t only built through major milestones or grand gestures — it’s also shaped by the small, everyday moments of care and connection that fill our school days. Positive psychologist Professor Lea Waters calls these moments Brief Emotional Uplifts: tiny sparks of encouragement, recognition, or joy that can create a real boost for our wellbeing, learning and relationships.

• A brief emotional uplift might be:
• A warm greeting at the classroom door
• A student being recognised for their effort — not just their result
• A parent celebrating a small breakthrough at home
• A friend’s smile at the right time
• A quick message acknowledging someone’s kindness or courage

Research shows that these positive interactions can broaden our thinking, reduce stress, and build resilience. For students, they can create a sense of being seen and valued — which is the foundation for confidence, motivation and strong engagement in learning. For families and staff, they help strengthen the powerful partnerships that make our community such a vibrant one.

This approach aligns beautifully with our Catholic mission. When we help one another feel uplifted — even for a moment — we are participating in the Gospel work of hope, love and encouragement. Just as Jesus recognised the dignity and gifts of each person He encountered, we too can make a meaningful difference by noticing and celebrating the goodness in one another.

In the coming weeks, we will be inviting students to practise this simple approach: choosing to notice one good thing each day and sharing encouragement freely. These small shifts in attention can create a positive ripple effect across classrooms, families and friendships — especially in the busiest times of the year.

I encourage you, as families, to try this at home as well:

• Share one positive moment from the day at dinner
• Acknowledge persistence when things are challenging
• Celebrate effort, not just achievement

Together, we can build a community where hope is noticed, celebrated and multiplied — one small moment at a time.

Let’s continue to lift one another up.