As I watched my beloved Magpies narrowly clinch victory on Friday night, I was reminded of the rollercoaster that we all face in life. The thrill of winning and the agony of defeat are emotions familiar to every sports fan. Just as Magpies supporters experienced euphoria, Dockers fans felt the sting of disappointment as their team succumbed to Essendon. Sport often becomes a microcosm of life, filled with friendly banter, parochialism, and sometimes a one-eyed focus on our favourite teams. 
Recently, I've been reminded of how quickly things can change. Last year's premiers might miss the finals this year, a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life. However, all it takes is a quick glance at the news or a scroll through social media to realise that my frustrations, no matter how intense they may feel, are trivial compared to the challenges faced by others.
The recent tragic events across multiple schools remind us that life can change in an instant. Such events are sobering and force us to reflect on our own lives, and the things we often take for granted. It's in these moments that the importance of gratitude becomes crystal clear.
Gratitude is not just about acknowledging the good times but also about appreciating the simple, often overlooked aspects of life. This week, I was grateful to share the sunlight at recess with the boys and their friendly battles in their chosen activities. This always brings me joy, unless Mr Burgio is hogging the strike in the cricket game! It's easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of daily existence, but enjoying these small moments of joy helps us find balance. It reminds us to cherish the small victories and learn from the setbacks. I am not sure Mr Burgio has the same philosophy when he gets out!
One of the greatest benefits of practicing gratitude is its ability to shift our perspective. When we focus on what we have, rather than what we lack, we cultivate a more positive outlook on life. This doesn't mean ignoring the difficulties we face but rather recognising that there is always something to be thankful for, even in the most challenging of times.
Many students are currently selecting subjects for next year, which can sometimes shift their focus on what they potentially can't do to the many wonderful and varied opportunities that lay before them. Every boy at CBC Fremantle has gifts, talents, and skills that are sometimes overlooked as they harshly compare themselves to others or what is force-fed to them via social media. I remind our students to be the best they can be, to be grateful for who they are, whether that be the best student, athlete, musician, son, or friend—the best version of themselves is always good enough.
Our Director of Staff, Mrs Bowler, spoke at our briefing on Monday and reminded us to look for the "glimmers not the triggers." She encouraged us to seek out those small moments of joy in our lives rather than focusing on what frustrates us. Try this at home: catch your son doing something good instead of falling into the habit of zeroing in on the many frustrations they might cause. This practice is the essence of gratitude.
So, whether we're celebrating a win or mourning a loss, let's remember to be grateful for the opportunity to experience it all. Gratitude transforms our perspective, enriches our lives, and helps us find meaning in every twist and turn.
Mr Brent Butcher
Vice Principal