2024, Term 2, Edition 5 - Chaplain - Casey Grammar School

Celebrating 10 Years of Sikh Volunteers Australia and Vaisakhi

During the holidays I was delighted to represent Casey Grammar School at the Sikh Vaisakhi celebrations where many community organisations and schools were recognised. It was also an acknowledgement of the 10^th anniversary of Sikh Volunteers Australia.

Many Australians would remember the incredible work of the Sikh Volunteers in providing free meals to many in need. I clearly remember their decision to immediately drive to the Housing Commission Flats during the pandemic to deliver meals, as well as their presence at many natural disasters feeding thousands of people.

Amazingly they are now building a new kitchen that will enable them to produce 10,000 meals within six hours! Their service is extremely impressive, and it was wonderful to acknowledge all they have achieved in the past ten years, as well as to see a number of our Casey Grammar families in attendance.

Lest We Forget

It is our privilege to have students and staff at the Cranbourne Dandenong RSL Anzac Service each year to pay our respects to those who have represented our country. Our School Captains, Mya and Jay as well as one of our Junior School Captains, Vinuka and our two Junior School Social Justice Captains, Zara and Ryan all attended, along with Dr Jacob, Mme Morgan and myself.

It is always wonderful to see the parade, watch the fly over and witness the many different locals come together to pay their respect and lay wreaths at the Cranbourne War Memorial. Our students laid wreaths on behalf of both Junior School and Senior School. Another highlight was seeing other members of our school community there with their families, including two of our Year 3 students representing the Australian Air League. We are so fortunate to live in a country of peace and freedom. We owe a debt of gratitude to so many who have sacrificed for us.

100 Blessings for Imperfect Days

Each term is commencd with a Staff Chapel. This term I was inspired by the book, The Lives We Actually Have – 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. I was so moved by the way the authors Kate Bowler and Jessie Richie explored the way that we can bless what is before us. It reminds us that within our lives, we do not always experience the lives we want. Yet, there is still a space for blessing amidst challenges we face. God is still present and can be found. The words of blessing can remind us, ground us and give us strength to face the lives we actually have, in all their beauty and pain.