2024, Term 4, Edition 15 - Chaplain

Congratulations Lokavya!

This week we had a wonderful assembly where our 2025 student leaders were announced. Whilst we are deeply grateful to the 2024 school leaders, it is always a joy to think ahead to the following year and the possibilities it will hold. I am delighted to share that Lokavya will be our new Social Justice Captain.

She has been involved in various activities, including Backpacks 4 Vic Kids, volunteering both at the warehouse and at school. At the moment, she is really excited about getting started on the Christmas appeals in the coming weeks, as well as events that will be planned for 2025.

This week, she made a start in her new role by presenting certificates to our 40 Hour Famine participants and our school certificate to Mrs Williams, helping to put together our collaborative artwork from the RAP Launch, and joining her first meeting as our student representative on the RAP committee. It is a really important role within the school that has a lot of scope and I am looking forward to seeing what Lokavya does within this role.

A Symbol of Remembrance

During this week, students and families have the opportunity to purchase a poppy badge or bracelet at reception to show their support for the RSL’s work with Australian veterans and their families. They will be available until the end of this week.

Next week for Remembrance Day we will have Junior School students attending at the Cranbourne War Memorial, as well as a Senior School service at school. Junior School classes will watch a short service in class as well as participating in activities led by their teacher. It is an important day for us to mark as a school community.

International Day of Care and Support

Every Monday morning the Senior School staff meet for a briefing and we commence with a prayer. Last week, our prayer was focused on the International Day of Care and Support. It is worth pausing to consider how many people in our school community are carers of those who are older in our society, those living with illness and disability, or simply those that are young enough to be dependent on others for almost every aspect of their daily lives.

The prayer was combined from a number of different prayers collated by Common Good.

For anyone reading this who is a carer, you may find you resonate with some of the ideas contained in it. What you do is so important. Thank you for your daily acts of love and care.

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

For those who care for family and friends, sometimes the heart is both grateful and weary. The task of caring for others is both a privilege and a challenge. Grant physical strength needed for the demands of each day. When fatigue sets in and weariness takes hold, please bring energy and renewal.

We pray for guidance and wisdom. When doubt creeps in, grant confidence. When faced with difficult decisions, provide clarity. When faced with moments of frustration or impatience, help them to pause, breathe, and centre themselves, showing a gentle and understanding heart.

Teach the value in each moment, even when faced with the demands of the day. May joy be found in the small victories and grace in the midst of difficulties. Cultivate a patient heart that reflects enduring love.

Help our carers build a supportive network of friends, family and fellow caregivers. May they share their burdens, offer encouragement and find solace in the understanding of one another’s challenges.

Grant the wisdom to recognize the value of seeking help when needed. Break down the barriers that prevent connection with others, allowing support that is offered with humility and gratitude.

In the name of God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit

Amen