Chaplain/Pastoral

Student Representative Council

Leadership is challenging so Redlands offers a variety of ways to nurture and grow the leadership skills of our students. One of these opportunities is the Student Representative Council (SRC) where students develop pubic speaking, advocacy, communication skills and an understanding of the systems of the school. Students are elected by their cohort to represent them.

The final activity this year was a day of training, challenge and reflection. The students (and teachers) were physically and mentally challenged by a high ropes course at Taronga Zoo. With a spectacular backdrop, clear weather and the encouragement of each other, the students faced obstacles and challenges. Each task required strategy, strength and a dose of courage. All the students experienced challenge and success. This provided a rich source of life and leadership lessons which were explored later in the morning.

The morning continued with some team work learning activities focusing on problem solving, communication and listening.

The essential part of any experience is the ability to reflect and critique, so one can make the most of any experience. Students spent time reflecting and critiquing their experience in SRC. Their thoughts about how they have grown were encouraging. Here is a sample of their thoughts: How to build on each other ideas; compromise and persuading others; social skills and the ability to listen; conveying my ideas to an audience; understanding the steps required for a change.

The outgoing SRC affirmed the importance of this group in representing the students and commends the future SRC to make the effort to both hear the students and report back.

Students in Yrs 7-10 are encouraged to think about running for the SRC next year as it is an important voice in the school, a valuable service to the community and a rich learning opportunity for the individual.

Note from the Chaplain

Christmas descends on us again with carols, sales, festivities, parties and end of year celebrations. It is difficult to discern the essence of Christmas in the clutter. One of my greatest joys is to focus with the school for an afternoon on the essence of Christmas. The birth of Jesus was announced by the Angels as ‘Good news of Great joy for all people’ (Luke 2:10). The promise is of a deep seated delight that is more than happiness that sustains us despite our immediate circumstances. A birth of any baby is a source of joy especially if they are precious to us. However this baby is for all people, for shepherds and kings, for men and women, for rich and poor, for you and me. This baby is the love of God breaking into history. Jesus, who was there at creation, through all eternity becomes human so all humans can see the reality of God. The creator becoming the creature so that the creature may know the creator.

The joy bubbles through the Christmas story. Mary and Joseph, like any new parent, delight in their new born. The Angels joyously sing songs announcing the birth of a saviour. The shepherds see and gossip about this baby, rejoicing as they go. The kings bringing gifts, were overjoyed when they find the babe whom they worshipped. Joy is the heartbeat of the story. Each seek this child and as they encounter him they see the face of God and the kindness of God. Not only has Jesus revealed the nature of God but he has set out on the mission of his life to die for others and provide the door for each of us to enter the presence and love of God. This reconciliation is the start of a relationship that lasts forever and showers you with joy, love and hope. It transforms our mundane to significant and brings joy in all situations.

As you celebrate family, holidays and festivities take a moment this Christ-mas to ponder the Christ-child. As you encounter Jesus, may he bring the greatest joy to you and to your family.

Blessings

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