Yaama Ngindaay

Is this happening to me, or happening for me?

Last week the students enjoyed listening to Newcastle Knights player Connor Watson as he gave his thoughts on the importance of always giving your best and never giving up. Resilience.

After a season ending injury in 2020, Connor said he reflected on this at the time that he sustained the injury and changed his thinking from “Why is this happening to me?” to “Why is this happening for me?” It was a really powerful statement to the students about looking at the opportunity for growth in the face of disappointments and asking “What can I learn from this and how do I move forward?”. In 2021 Connor has made a very strong start in his NRL matches for the Knights. Suffering a setback and seeing it as a chance to learn and become better and stronger is a really good life lesson for all of us.

It is so good to have Aboriginal people like Connor coming to speak to our kids about his journey, his triumphs and disappointments, and how he navigates his way through them. He is a great role model, not only in the sporting arena, but in life in general; one who inspires Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people alike.

Easter Gayaa! (Happy Easter)

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal Education Teacher