Last Sunday's Gospel Matthew 5:13-16 13 Jesus said to his disciples: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

We had our first assembly this week, and the Year 13 leaders introduced themselves to the College. They invited students to be involved and highlighted the various sports, cultural activities and clubs they could join. "Attention on the negative helped us survive. Attention on the positive helps us thrive" Dr Lea Waters (2017)

This Gospel reminds us that we add flavour to our lives when we get involved. At the time of Jesus, salt was so valuable that soldiers in the Roman army were often paid with salt instead of money. The soldiers' allowance was called "salarium" ("sal" being the Latin word for salt). This Latin root can be recognized in the French word "salaire" — and it eventually made it into English as the word "salary. Playing sports, joining clubs, and volunteering add flavour to our lives. These activities also help our well-being and make us feel good.

"Attention on the negative helped us survive. Attention on the positive helps us thrive"

Dr Lea Waters (2017)

I encourage all the students to get involved as much as they can. Getting involved can help reduce anxiety