According to a study carried out by Professor Michael Norton at the Harvard Business School in 2008, individuals spending money on others experienced a greater sense of happiness than individuals spending money on themselves. It is an echo from the familiar phrase found in the Beatitudes (Acts 20:35) that affirms, ‘it is better to give than to receive’.
As privileged individuals in a school community like Melbourne Grammar School, with its wealth of opportunities, and in a country with Australia’s optimistic outlook, it is appropriate to consider a response to the claim that ‘it is better to give than to receive’.
We know that with opportunity comes the responsibility to use such privilege to the best of our ability. We aim to inspire our students to give philanthropically, thoughtfully and strategically in the future. We want our students to see beyond themselves, and be able to embrace the importance of serving, caring and giving to those in need. The question is how this is done, rather than should this be done.
Melbourne Grammar School’s clarity of direction has not been achieved by accident. It has been the result of great generosity and hard work, a legacy built by former and current staff, students, parents, volunteers and Council and Foundation members. These individuals have often given generously of their time, talent and money.
In response to their privileged start in life, many Old Melburnians have come to appreciate the enhanced personal worth found when one gives as they have gone about finding a pathway to a good life fulfilled with meaning, purpose, kindness and achievement. The following story reminds us of the importance of creating a legacy:
The fruit we eat comes from trees planted by someone else. We must plant trees for those who will follow us.
As the orchard grows, so does the community, expanding in presence to the available fruit.
For any community to grow and excel, it must contain those willing to establish trees to support those who will follow.
In each community, the people who plant the trees are the leaders.
It is the responsibility of the leader to nurture the young plants until they can stand on their own.
(Source Unknown)
All members of our School community have an opportunity to show leadership in this area by supporting Melbourne Grammar School through our giving programs which include an annual giving appeal, campaigns from time to time for specific projects to enhance our
educational facilities for students and staff, and the Witherby Tower Society bequest program.
With support from our School community, we plan to create a new hub for subjects in the humanities on the South Yarra campus, and a new building for Junior Primary students at Grimwade House.
As another example, giving supports social and economic diversity across our student cohort through means-tested scholarships and bursaries and our Indigenous scholarship program. These scholarships extend the opportunity of a Melbourne Grammar education to new
generations of students, unleashing their potential and enriching the education of all students.
Every gift of every size will enhance the opportunities available to current and future generations of students and deliver on the School’s mission to develop and nurture young people to be intelligent, independent and creative thinkers with a sense of purpose, spirituality and
respect, who will a make a positive impact on the world beyond Melbourne Grammar School.
Our tradition of providing a holistic education has relied on generations of generous donors who value a Melbourne Grammar education. Through generosity and service we have been here for generations and will remain strong and vibrant for generations to come.
I trust that you too will be inspired by the stories in this edition of Grammar News that celebrate our culture and spirit of service.
Philip Grutzner
Headmaster
