"But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away."Matthew 13: 25

In our everyday lives, whether at school, at home, or out in the wider world, we are constantly faced with choices. Some are small and simple, like what to wear or what to eat. Others feel much bigger, like how we treat those around us or how we respond when things don’t go the way we hope. Recent events in the news remind us just how important decisions can be, especially when they’re made by those in positions of responsibility.

At St Bede’s, we take time regularly to talk with our students about what it really means to make a good choice. These aren’t always the easiest decisions, and sometimes they aren’t the most popular ones either. But good choices are the ones that come from kindness, fairness, and respect. They might look like a Kindergarten student sharing toys with a new friend at playtime, a Year 6 student including someone feeling left out during recess, speaking the truth even when it’s hard, or pausing to calm ourselves instead of reacting with anger when a game doesn’t go our way.

We also remind our students and ourselves, that good and bad influences can be found everywhere, even within our own hearts and minds. Just like a garden grows both beautiful flowers weeds, each of us carries strengths and weaknesses. But the wonderful thing is that every day gives us a fresh chance to learn, to grow, and to try again.

The Gospel story that includes the verse above, speaks beautifully to this idea. Jesus tells of a farmer who sows good seed in his field, but finds weeds growing among the wheat. This parable gently reminds us that good and bad often grow side by side in life. And sometimes, it’s not our job to pull out the weeds immediately, but rather to allow time for growth, reflection, and understanding.

This message fits perfectly with our school community. Children are learning how to grow, not just in knowledge, but in kindness, honesty, and resilience. They will make mistakes and sometimes act without thinking, and that’s okay. Like the farmer in the parable, our role is to be patient, nurturing, and encouraging. We are here to help every student discover their unique strengths and to support them on their journey. Whether it’s a student trying to speak up in class for the first time, a student helping lead a team, or choosing to do their best even when the work is hard, every step is a part of their growth.

As adults, we know that children watch and learn from us every day. They notice how we speak, how we face challenges, and the values we live by. Together, as a caring school community, we can guide our children toward becoming thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate individuals.

regards

Andrew