Chaplain
Significant conversations with our parents are precious moments in our lives. I remember with joy the discussions on politics, religion and life I had with my father as a teenager. I found I stridently disagreed with this man that I loved yet I learnt a lot about life, respect and listening. In our world of fast life, mobile devices and Netflix, the space for significant conversations can be squeezed out.
Thank you to all those parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles who were willing to have a conversation with our Yr 9 students for their Christian Studies Assessment. Although they may not have told you, they appreciated the discussions and reflected upon them well. Many students have a better understanding of family history and the challenges that people face in life. As the staff read the reflections, it has become clear that most of the students have come to a deeper understanding and respect for the person they interviewed. The rich experience of life is a valuable gift that our students were fortunate to have been given.
Proverbs in the first chapter say this:
‘My child, listen when your father corrects you.
Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
What you learn from them will crown you with grace
and be a chain of honour around your neck.’
This verse is one that holds some profound wisdom in our era where elders are often not valued. It encourages us to make time to genuinely share, reflect, listen and be open with our young people.
This open sharing is an important part of our nation-building, as well. Many Indigenous people talk of truth-telling. This is sharing the personal histories where there has been injustice, tragedy and difficulties. Having significant conversations with our Indigenous peoples is a rare and important thing. Thankfully, our Yr 9 have a wonderful opportunity to have time with Indigenous peoples next week at the Midawarr program. This will be a great time of listening, learning and conversations that should lead to our students having a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture and experience. While they did not have the planned time in Arnhem Land, this provides a space for parents to hear of the students’ learning, thinking and questions after each day of engagement. It would be great to make space for this.
Our commitment to our students to become 21st century citizens is embodied in these two learning opportunities for Yr 9 students.
Toys’n’Tucker
Term 4 is speeding past as we find ourselves in Week 5. Students are reminded to bring in grocery goods to support families in need. Through the partner organisation of Anglicare, the hampers are delivered to people of real need. Please bring in goods like long-life milk/custard, tinned salmon, ham, fruit and vegetables, packaged cakes, puddings and biscuits, pasta and pasta sauces. Please remember these need to be non-refrigerated items. Students can deliver the goods to Tutor Groups as soon as possible.
Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830
Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022