I wonder if you, like me, are amazed that we are at the halfway mark of the year!
We have had many opportunities during this first half of the year to grow and glow as learners, share our skills, celebrate as a community and come together in prayer and liturgy. As I reflect on these it makes me realise how lucky we are to have such a connected school and parish community. This community has nurtured us all.
Our faith and learning community is made up of many different individuals with similar but also very different experiences and circumstances. Sometimes we may not be aware of the complex circumstances some families face and this can impact on a child’s learning or social interactions.
As a Catholic community living by the example of Jesus, we are called to reach out to those on the fringe, be that economically, emotionally, socially, academically or behaviourally. Jesus reached out to those in the community who were on the margins. Our Bishop, Vincent calls us to do the same.
What does this mean for us in a school context?
It means we support each other and offer friendship to those who may be lonely on the playground.
It means we offer help if we see a need.
It means we seek forgiveness when we have done something wrong and try to make amends or improve.
It means we offer forgiveness and try not to let a person’s reputation stop us from seeing improvement.
It means speaking kindly and not engaging in gossip or damaging talk.
It means being open and understanding without being judgemental.
I’m sure you can think of many other examples. I see time and time again the resilience of the children in our community and their ability to forgive and remould friendships.
The coming holidays will allow us all to recharge and come back refreshed for new learning and opportunities. The break also allows us all to reset and start the term fresh with a new outlook. I wish everyone in our community a safe and relaxed holiday and I look forward to welcoming you back next term.
