It’s been a huge couple of weeks! Last week I had the absolute privilege of taking a group of students from Year 10 on a multi day hike along the 3 Capes Trail in Tasmania. Set in the bottom south east corner below Port Arthur, the 3 Capes trail takes in some of the most rugged and beautiful coastline you could ever imagine. Spread over 4 days of hiking and carrying all their own food and equipment, the students along with Mrs Joubert, Mrs van Wyk, Mr Drew and I had a trip we will never forget.
Tasmania is known for having 4 seasons in one day, and its reputation didn’t fail to disappoint. We experienced rain (often sideways) for a whole day, gale force winds and 2 beautiful sunny days. The crazy weather only added to the occasion and definitely left all of us appreciating just how wild and rugged Tasmania can be.
I must admit I was slightly nervous taking students on a 4 day hike such as this. You never really know how you are going to respond until you are tested, which was all part of the adventure. Mrs van Wyk had done a great job training the students and carefully preparing the extensive packing list. All the students had put work in behind the scenes to prepare themselves physically for the challenge and the whole team approached the day with a positive mindset.
It should come as little surprise that ALL the staff and students absolutely smashed it. It sure had its physical challenges and times where a warm shower and an open fire would have been nice, but joy is found in the struggle, and when we appeared out of the wilderness at Fortescue Bay, all of us were riding on a serious high. For 4 days I didn’t hear any complaining, whinging or wishing to be back home. What a credit to our students. In amongst the endless games of uno, cups of tea, dehydrated meals and Toutai’s card tricks, I couldn’t help but be reminded of how fortunate we are to work with some amazing young people and their families every day.
There is definitely something to be said for finding joy in struggle. I’m sure there are numerous studies out there that highlight the correlation between the two. The harder you have to work for something, the more satisfying it usually is to complete a task.
This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in Project Goobang (watch this space), the brainchild of local runner and all round legend Sarah Hartin, who set out to run from one end of Goobang National Park to the other – a total distance of 130km! Sarah’s enormous training load, sheer determination and amazing support crew all kicked into gear as she completed the incredible task. That in itself is a whole other story to talk about at a later time. To support Sarah, I set myself a goal of running my first 100km run and keeping her company through to the finish line. I’d put in a lot of training and am very pleased to say I achieved my goal and completed the 104 km section of the course in just over 16 hours! My first ultra marathon! Shout out to Mr Greef for running the final 26km with us and Mrs van Wyk for being part of the support crew all day!
It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done, but left me feeling equally as satisfied with my efforts and a sense of accomplishment. There is serious joy to be found in the struggle.
As I walk (a little gingerly) away from these 2 events I am reminded of how crucial it is for us to challenge our young people with these important concepts. It may not be ultra marathon running, or multi day hiking, but all of us set goals and face numerous challenges in our lives, and how we navigate these times is completely within our control. Can I remind us again, God has given us everything we need to overcome. He has designed us in such a way that we can develop self discipline, determination and work hard in order to achieve.
As we cheer our young people on, let’s constantly remind them of this truth – we are made for a purpose and with hard work and determination there is very little we can’t overcome, especially with a school community and family cheering our students on.
Have a great week PCS. Get out there and have an adventure. You won’t be disappointed.
Glen
