Chaplain's Corner

Hi Everyone,                             

Having grown up in a predominately Italian community, I have a real soft spot for the Italian community and some very happy childhood memories of being loved and included, almost ‘family’, including ‘Nonna” watching on her front veranda sitting in her chair, waving as I passed each day on my way to and from school!

What a great contribution this culture group has made to the Australian way of life, especially since post WW2 when many immigrated to work on our renowned HYDRO ELECTRICAL SCHEME in the Snowy Mountains, which is still providing hydroelectricity and is still diverting irrigation water to our farmers. 

 Let’s not forget GELATO, PIZZA, PASTA, LASAGNA, SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE, ETC……. BELLISSIMO!

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO GINEVRA FOR BRINGING THE DELIGHTS OF ITALY TO OUR LITTLE PIECE OF WARRANDYTE!  GRAZIE!

I encourage you and your families to immerse yourselves in our diverse cultures when the opportunities arise as festivals are allowed to resume throughout Melbourne.  Near my home there was a house lit up like Christmas last week as an Indian family celebrated DIWALI, ‘THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS’.

All of us can trace our heritage back to at least one other culture group.  My father came from Northern Ireland and my Grandparents on my mother’s side were Scottish, English and Māori!  Many people are surprised by my children’s olive complexion which can only be traced back to this Māori heritage – my mother has an olive complexion.  My in-laws are Irish and English and Aussie. 

There are so many values we can teach ourselves and our children through embracing cultural diversity – compassion, understanding, empathy, respect, tolerance, to name a few!

So, let’s open ourselves to all the wonderful people, cultural delights, flora and fauna Australia and the world has to offer. 

And let’s not forget to continue to reach out and take care of each other!  An attitude of gratitude for each other and making someone else’s life just that little bit better, actually makes our own life better too!!

Take Care!

         Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)  robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au)