Dear Parents and Carers

Schools are places of surprise, joy, anxiety, frustration, tension, laughter, forgiveness and sometimes tears. In a school, the full range of emotions can be experienced on a regular basis. However, with children and young adults stillness, tranquillity and deep reflection are rare but are possible with training and persistence. The art of meditation most certainly has a place in schools and at home. With the rapidly changing pace of life in the age of digital technology, making space for stillness is becoming more important to support our mental health and general wellbeing.

With the arrival of Spring I encourage all families to get outside into nature and look again at the beauty of new life emerging. Listen to the sounds and take in the smells, the beauty of God’s creation is endless and a great nourishment for our souls.

Tomorrow Joanne and I will be travelling to my home country, Merriwagga near Hillston in Western NSW. Many of you would not be aware that my Mother died recently and her funeral is on Friday morning.

At the beginning of this piece, I referred to both surprise and tears. Year 10 caught me off guard today while I was replying to a condolence card from a friend. The whole class crammed into my office to present me with a Sympathy card they had signed and added written comments. This gesture of compassion moved me to shed a tear. The parents of Year 10 have raised beautiful children be very proud.

Reflection:    You don’t choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.” Desmond Tutu

Kind regards to everyone.