At today’s very special Assembly for Mr Ryan, he asked all children at Talbot to do three things. He promises if you do them, you will be successful AND you will be happy…
1) Work Hard!
2) Play Hard!
3) Pray Hard!
1) Work Hard! Mr Ryan really hopes we will all work hard. Mr Ryan told us all how when he grew up Ireland was very poor and his family were poor. They didn’t have a lot of money. But his parents did give him lots of ambition (the desire to do really well in life). It’s very important to have a plan, he said. He said he decided when he was in primary school to become a teacher. And to work hard not just at school but in your job and in your community. He said it doesn’t matter what your job is, the point is to work hard. And to keep working hard! He said he had a couple of years where he thought of giving up teaching, but he kept going and he’s glad he did!
2) Play Hard! Have fun playing! But, he begged everyone, don’t think drink or drugs is the answer. They make a bad situation worse. They create even more problems. He’s been to some very sad funerals where past pupils have died because they drank too much or took drugs. Take up a sport, Mr Ryan told us. Sport is the thing that keeps people away from drugs, away from alcohol, and keeps people safe. If you have a problem, don’t turn to drink or drugs: you need to talk to someone about your problem.
3) Pray Hard! It’s important that you have a relationship with God. Know that you have a friend in God. Make friends with the Holy Spirit.
If you do those three things well in your life, you will be happy.
Next time you see Mr Ryan, why not stop and tell him how much we will all miss him here at Talbot. Imagine working here for 35 years! Wow! I’m sure HE will be happy if you do these three things so that YOU are happy!