Published on: 18 May 2017

At today’s assembly we heard a lot about the power of support and choice.

As the boys gathered and produced their food items collected for this year’s Principal’s Food Drive, we reflected on the support this will provide to families who everyday live without knowing when they will have their next meal. The food was handed over to The Very Reverend Richard Pengelly, who accepted the donations and will work with others to distribute the food to the homeless in and around Perth. On any given night around Australia 1 in 200 people are homeless and this includes children. Congratulations to the PMC boys who, with the support of our Prefects, did a terrific job in co-ordinating this significant annual food drive.

We also heard from Paris Mitchell and how the former drug addict, who has spent time in prison, believes that any life can be brought ‘back on track’ with support. Paris started taking drugs at the age of 12 and committed crimes to pay for his habit. The strong message for the boys from Paris was about finding and using the supports that are available in your life – and that everyone has the power to make their own decisions. Paris believes that by educating students about the power of choice they can forge their own path in life.  Paris is now a university graduate and motivational speaker.

Our final story of support was very personal and close to home. Trevor Scott, one of our exceptional colleagues, shared with us his journey with foster children, three who currently live with him and his wife and their two biological children (and one on the way) and are very much part of his family. Trevor’s story was all about support and love, and the difference he and his wife are committed to making to the lives of all their children. In choosing to foster children, the Scotts hope to provide all of their children with a chance at life, knowing that children and their future matter so much. This moving interview led me to think about support, and I arrived at the following – at any moment in time we are being supported or being supportive, and relationships are so incredibly important in life’s journey.

Mark Morrissy
Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School