Going the Extra Mile

The word 'marathon' (26 miles) comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger. The legend states that he was sent to run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon (in which he had just fought) that took place in 490 BC. He ran the extra miles, not stopping for a break, giving all that he had to complete the task. He then collapsed to the ground and died.

What does going the extra mile actually mean? Going the extra mile means going above and beyond what is expected, performing beyond expectations.You won’t be rewarded for doing what you’re meant to do, you only get a salary for that. You will be rewarded, not in monetary terms, but in personal satisfaction for going the extra mile. "There are no traffic jams or crowds on the EXTRA MILE." Wayne Dyer

I have witnessed many students over the years who have gone the extra mile in training and have been rewarded. Just this year Bethany K (4N) went the extra mile in swimming and athletics making it to PSSA (NSW All Schools Championships). Nathan L (5P) went the extra mile in swimming, cross country and athletics making it to PSSA Championships in all three sports. Dylan J also went the extra mile in swimming making it to CIS and then swam over a mile every day for a month raising over $1000 for the charity, Starlight Foundation.

I remember clearly one of my teachers at Strathfield SDA High School who went the extra mile for his students. You see, tackle Rugby League was not allowed at my high school but we all loved the game. My PDHPE teacher Mr Jakes agreed to stay after school to play tackle with us. We will never forget him because he went the extra mile.

At Avondale School, I see many teachers going the extra mile for their students. There are many attributes that I guess teachers would like to be remembered for: kindness, humorous, brilliant, passionate, caring, Christ-like, supportive, friendly and those who went the extra mile.

As parents and grandparents we can also go the extra mile for our children and grandchildren. Think of some different ways you could demonstrate going the extra mile. I’m sure it will build stronger relationships with those you love. It also may encourage them to do likewise. I’m also sure that going the extra mile will have a different result to Pheidippides. Unlike Pheidippides, when Christ went the extra mile and lost his life, He was resurrected and has been going the extra mile ever since, offering everyone a place in Heaven.

"We can start right now and apply the habit of going the extra mile by rendering more service and better service than we are now being paid for." Napoleon Hill

"If you want to succeed at any job, make yourself invaluable by going the extra mile." Ross Mathews

SEE YOU ON THE EXTRA MILE!

Mr Graham Head

Primary Sport Coordinator