From the Principal – Term 2 Week 9
Announcement – Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Appointment
I am delighted to share with our Newman College community that Mrs Sarah Pagett has been appointed to the substantive position of Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning, a role which she has been acting in this year. The interviews took place with an interview panel, following submissions of applications from a large field of experienced leaders in Catholic and Independent education. Sarah’s strong Marist heart shone through along with the many successful senior leadership positions she has undertaken in our community over recent years.
I am sure you will join me in congratulating Sarah on her appointment.
Comparison Is the Thief of Joy — And What to Do About It
In an age defined by endless scrolling, highlight reels, and curated perfection, the phrase “comparison is the thief of joy” feels more relevant than ever. Often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, this simple observation captures a powerful truth about human nature: when we, in an unhealthy and unfiltered way measure our lives against others’, we can risk losing sight of our own progress, purpose, and happiness.
The Silent Habit We All Share
In childhood and adolescence particularly, comparison is natural. From childhood, we learn by observing others—who runs faster, scores higher, or performs better. In measured and considered doses, and as a refined skill, comparison can motivate growth, model the way or lead us to be people of social justice action. But in excess, it becomes a silent habit that erodes confidence and distorts reality.
From Reel to Real
Today, that habit is amplified by social media. We are no longer comparing ourselves to a handful of peers—we are measuring our lives against hundreds, even thousands, of people. The problem? We’re comparing our behind-the-scenes life in its fullness and a ‘work in progress’ to someone else’s highlight reel. Promotions, vacations, milestones, and celebrations are shared quite freely, while struggles, failures, and doubts often remain hidden in that ‘highlight reel’- a real danger in the making.
When Comparison Steals Joy, especially for our children.
Comparison robs us in several ways:
- It shifts children and adolescents focus away from gratitude. Instead of appreciating what we have, we fixate on what we lack.
- It creates unrealistic standards. We begin chasing benchmarks that may not align with our values or circumstances.
- It undermines self-worth. Constantly “falling short” in comparison leads to self-doubt and dissatisfaction.
- It delays genuine fulfillment. We postpone happiness, thinking we’ll feel content once we catch up—a moving target that never quite settles.
Joy thrives in presence, simplicity, gratitude, and authenticity. Unhealthy comparison, by contrast, pulls us out of the moment and into an endless cycle of measuring and evaluating.
The alignment of the work we do at the College to nurture young people’s self-worth, from the big picture to the small moments, is really intentional work alongside your family, and it flows from our Vision for Wellbeing- age and stage programs for wellbeing. The Marist Characteristics, especially the characteristic of Simplicity, is so important in teaching our young people that simplicity means authenticity – the framework to celebrate who you are and how to gauge your own personal learning, social and emotional growth against true measures.
You may recall completing a College survey last year where we asked for your really important opinion regarding how we (school and family) support our students in navigating the digital world with success. On a national scale, the Government implemented a social media ban on children under the age of 16. On a school community scale, your data, alongside work with the Newman Parent Forum, has shaped our Raising Digital Citizens: Supporting Families in a Digital World: Parent & Community Learning Suite. This is a series of 6 practical workshops, with the first workshop happening on Monday 29 June. Click here to read about the topics covered.
Turning Comparison into Awareness
The goal isn’t to eliminate comparison altogether—it’s to become aware of it and redirect it. Here are a few practical ways we can walk alongside young people to frame their joy:
1. Pause and Name It
When you notice unhealthy comparison, simply acknowledge it. Awareness is the first step to regaining control.
2. Shift to Gratitude
Ask your child to actively list what is going well in their life. Gratitude grounds them in reality and centres perspective.
3. Redefine Success
Ask the question regularly: What does success look like for you? Align goals with values—not someone else’s timeline.
4. Limit Unhealthy Inputs
Be mindful of what is consumed. If certain platforms or accounts trigger negative comparisons, consider setting boundaries.
5. Compare with Your Past Self
The most productive comparison is internal. Ask your child to measure how far you’ve come—not how far others appear to be ahead. Growth and gain is an integral part of being Marist. It has been said to me before that God’s gift to us is who we are. Our gift to God is who we become. It also reminds me of Little Athletics days when the focus of competing was about working towards “PBs”.
A Different Lens
Imagine if, instead of comparison, we practised curiosity. Instead of thinking, “Why don’t I have that?” we might ask, “What can I learn from this?” This subtle shift transforms comparison into a teacher.
It also opens the door to empathy and social justice action. I have never met a child or adolescent who, when they see another person’s suffering and circumstance, does not want to help. Newman students rally to support Catholic support agencies and fundraising for causes
Everyone’s journey includes unseen struggles, setbacks, and uncertainties. When we recognise this, the pressure to “keep up” begins to fade.
Final Thoughts
Joy is not found in being better than others—it’s found in being present, purposeful, and aligned with your beliefs. It is found in the authentic connections we have with one another too.
The next time you feel unhealthy comparison creeping in to your child’s life, remember: life is not a competition. It’s a story—uniquely owned, unfolding at its own pace.
And joy?
It’s not something you win. It’s something you protect.
Champagnat Day
We had great joy in celebrating Champagnat Day today at the College. The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat falls on June 6, but we have our senior students involved in examinations around this time. Champagnat Day was celebrated with a wonderful Mass, followed by recognition of students and staff awarded the annual Champagnat Awards with the input of students, parents and staff nominations. We finished the day in great joy with the fete activities across the whole College. What a great time we had with the Rhythm of the Guilds Dance event! Each Guild with students from Year 1 to 12 showed their moves in their choreographed dance. Fantastic Guild Spirit- fantastic College Spirit!
Mr Andrew Watson
PRINCIPAL
