Perhaps the greatest economist of the twentieth century was John Maynard Keynes. In 1930 during the Depression, he wrote a paper entitled Economic possibilities for our Grandchildren. In that paper, he made the point that average living standards in 1930 were four times better than they had been 250 years earlier and that living standards would be four to eight times greater in one hundred years’ time, in 2030. Keynes also predicted that we would be working about 15 hours a week because all of our basic needs will have been met.

We can say with the benefit of 91 years of hindsight that Keynes was partly right and partly wrong. He actually underestimated our economic growth, we eclipsed his predictions some years ago. For most of us, he was wrong about working 15 hour weeks, we are working as much as ever, if not more.

Steven Pinker has pointed out some of the many good things that have arisen due to human progress in recent years, including increases in life expectancy, income, leisure time, the internet, greater access to music, movies and international food, vaccines, the ability to communicate via platforms such as skype around the world and so forth. Pinker thinks we should be happier than we actually are given all of this. The reality is that, notwithstanding all of these good things, rates of anxiety and depression, especially with teenagers, are of great concern.  

The one thing that nearly all governments seem to agree on is economic growth. What is economic growth? Simply an increase in the production of goods and services. We are bombarded with messages from advertisers and others that we need certain goods and services to be happier so that economic growth can keep taking place.

We all love a good bargain and feel better about purchasing a cheap product. Fairtrade is an organisation that helps to raise awareness that some of the products we purchase are produced by workers who may suffer from extreme poverty and poor working conditions. I heard this week that most of the workers who grow the cocoa plant, which goes into the creation of chocolate, have never seen a chocolate bar. Last weekend, I donated clothes to a charity. Unfortunately, a huge amount of clothes donated to charities end up in landfills in Africa and other places as the supply is far greater than the demand.

The Catholic Church is clear on its priority of preferential options for the poor and the need to care for the environment. Perhaps appreciating and finding the time to enjoy what we have rather than craving the next thing will help, as will avoiding comparisons to what other people have. A great source of hope for me is our young people who I am confident are less committed to a life of accumulation of goods and more focused on equality and justice for all and care of the environment.

Staffing news 

David Griffiths has been appointed in an ongoing position as Utility Officer.  David’s previous experience includes working in schools in a relief capacity in Grounds and Maintenance and as a Teacher Assistant.

Catherine Cooper has been appointed Teacher Assistant at the Junior Campus in an ongoing position. Catherine’s work history includes fifteen years as an Assistant Educator in childcare settings and works as a relief Teacher Assistant across various age levels.

Charlotte Giudici has been appointed Teacher Assistant at the Middle Campus in a Limited Tenure position. Charlotte has experience as a relief Teacher Assistant for the Department of Education and numerous hospitality roles.

Welcome David, Catherine and Charlotte!

James Hickey will be stepping down from his role as Health and Physical Education Department Leader 7-10 at the end of the year. We thank James for all of the work he has undertaken in this role for the past 7 years and for his dedication to ensuring all students are accessing high-quality teaching and learning in their Health and Physical Education classes. We will look forward to still working closely with James in the HPE space next year.