Principal's Message

You are worth what you give

A famous and very rich man was once asked, ‘What are you worth?’ The rich man thought for a minute and then named a figure. His questioner did not believe him. ‘You are famous as one of the richest men in the country. Surely you are worth more than that.’ With a smile, the rich man replied, ‘You did not ask me how much I own. You asked me how much I am worth so I told you the amount I have given to charity so far this year – because we are worth what we are willing to share with others.’

In a modern society, we need to remind ourselves of the importance of giving, in terms of both money and time. The amazing effort of the SJPC community at the end of last term in assisting with flood relief was a testament to the amazing worth of so many. Through giving we bridge the gap between those that have and those that have not, those that can and those that can’t. Healthy communities are built on co-operation, on all of us sharing the resources we have.

The virtue of altruism, doing good for another person is so important. The teachings of Jesus always focused on the dignity of the individual, irrespective of their circumstance or posting in life. We become better people and better citizens when we remember just like the rich man, we are only worth what we are willing to share with others.

Acknowledgement: Adapted from Credo written by Professor Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the united Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.

God bless