A highlight of the boarding calendar earlier in the term was the X-Factor weekend and in the Sunday Chapel service we asked: What is an ‘X-factor? We considered what Nelson Mandela’s X-factor might be. The childrens’ responses were really insightful and included: wisdom, patience, endurance, leadership and forgiveness. They volunteered that their teachers’ X-Factors are kindness, patience, willingness to help, “making me feel good in class” and even “giving me sweets”.
In my next life I’m coming to Clifton…from grade 000!
We all have our X-factors, those special talents that make us who we are. Perhaps they lie on the sports field, in the classroom or on the stage. Sometimes it is hard to describe that X-factor quality. It could be the knack of reading the room or a well-developed emotional quotient which is being alert to others’ emotions and the ability to lift low spirits with kindness.
Some people just bring joy and smiles to those around them. They help others to keep going when times are tough, encouraging fellow competitors to keep running when tempted to walk on the cross-country track, or helping a friend stay focused when studies call even though wasting time might seem easier.
Your children have X-factors in heaps!
This holiday might be a wonderful opportunity, as you spend time with your children, to tell them about their X-factors, perhaps ask them to tell you about yours and then discuss how best these talents can be used to make life better for others.
So, what’s Clifton’s X-Factor? I’m convinced it is everything about Clifton. The children, staff and all that we do here.
