This week, Mr. Pong shared with us his insights in understanding “Family Spirit”, one of the 5 core values in all Marist schools. This Family Spirit has something to do with the feeling of belonging to the brotherhood, a feeling we all share strongly when we sing the school anthem or shout three cheers at the end of big events. Family Spirit also encompasses the feeling of “being at home”, which, according to St. Marcellin Champagnat, is a feeling of being welcomed, accepted and valued by members of the school community. Mr. Pong encouraged us to look at each other through the eyes of the “father” in Jesus’ parable – the Prodigal Son. Of course, not all of us are prodigal sons, but we certainly have rough edges that are not welcome in the eyes of others. If we cultivate this “family Spirit” envisioned by St. Marcellin Champagnat in our campus, we will definitely make this school a place where all Xaverians call home.
