Principal's Message

Dear Parents,

In the film, “Parenthood”, there is a particular scene of an ageing grandmother who spends most of her time in the background and appears somewhat senile. Eventually, she is asked by one of her children how she and her husband managed to survive the parenting process. The grandmother is quiet for a while and then gives this rather indirect reply: “When your father and I were young and just starting out with all of you, we used to love to go to the carnival and our favourite ride was the roller coaster. It went up and then way down, and way up and way down and sometimes it was so scary we held on for dear life, laughing out loud, feeling our hearts beat faster and faster. It was so exciting! Your father and I, we loved the roller coaster, it was a real adventure.”

As the grandmother finishes her story, staring out through the window at days gone by, her children and grandchildren are left to wonder whether the old woman really knew what she had just said. But the audience was left with the distinct impression that she knew exactly what she was talking about. Being parents is like riding a roller coaster. Sometimes we’re up, sometimes we’re down; some days are filled with laughter, while other days are clouded by frustration and pain. Raising a family is like riding a roller coaster; it’s frantic and frightening in some ways but exciting and rewarding in more ways. 

For every person, the family is the cradle of life where they are born and grow; the climate of affection that unites the family is where we learn about truth and goodness. Unfortunately, not many of us live in extended families with several generations under the same roof.  We’ve become a fast-moving, mobile society.  We simply don’t have the time and opportunity to sit down after dinner and listen to our parents and grandparents pass along their tales and everyday stories. It was through these day to day stories that we learnt about our family members, about philosophies of life, the experience of those older and wiser than us. It was through these stories that value systems such as work ethic, family loyalty and honesty, the traditions of our Christian faith and its beliefs, were handed down. It was through these stories that we learnt to be accepted for who we were and learnt a sense of belonging – not because of the brand of jeans we wore – but because we were part of a unique family. No matter what size family we live in, we all rely on our family to provide an affirming, positive and loving experience that is supportive and gives us an identity of who we are and what’s unique about us. Family life teaches us how to share, how to stand up for ourselves and how to love other people. In addition to providing for our physical welfare, a family provides for the emotional and mental welfare of each of its members. Family provides the esteem and confidence when we set out to face each new day and family provides the comfort and consolation when we return. If you’re looking for investment advice, go for the advisor who tells you to invest in your family. The dividends will come daily, will be warming to the heart and will provide a consistent stream of emotional security; what an inheritance your children will have.

“God, You enfold us in gentleness and forgive our frailties. Bless our family and teach us to be humble in our giftedness and generous in sharing our blessings. Help us never to forget the closeness of Your presence. Amen.”

Wishing you all a peaceful and enjoyable Term 1 break.

Leonie Burfield

PRINCIPAL