Words are like fire. Fire can destroy or create, burn down or refine and purify. Words used the right way, like harnessed fire, can lift and inspire all those who hear them.
Every year at Kennedy, we pick up a particular word, BRIO, and give it a whole week to be heard.
Brio means life, energy, zest, fire and light. To Be BRIO is to be the embodiment of all those things. In a world where words can be like a fire that can break down relationships, people and even a community, WE want to speak words of life and lift others up in our school.
The story of Be BRIO week is an illustration of BRIO in action. In 2021, with COVID still influencing daily school life, two Year 8 students ran a class project to engage the school community. They grabbed the word BRIO and made a weeklong focus on being a difference maker. It was student run, student focused and lots of fun. The school felt different and the intent of generating BRIO in others became a culture point. Six years later, Be BRIO week is still bringing life and energy to our school.
This week, the encouragement has been to Be BRIO to such an extent that your light, life and energy continue to leave their mark on others.
At Kennedy, we believe that every member of our community has a purpose and is designed to connect with others. That connection is for the purpose of lifting others up and adding life. Having a week dedicated to BRIO, we are seeking to lift our college culture to be the true and joyful community we all know we are designed for.
I would love to encourage every home to lean into the culture of Being BRIO. Write it on the fridge door and be the person who brings LIFE, LIGHT, FIRE, ENERGY and ZEST to all those around you.
Peter Chase
College Chaplain
