From the Principal

It is now just over a week since the horrific attacks in Christchurch. New Zealanders have displayed enormous strength in caring for those traumatised by the attacks in the Mosques and also begun the slow process of repair by gathering in large numbers in public open spaces and places of worship to pray and be as one community united in their condemnation of discrimination and prejudice.

As Australians we share our neighbour's pain. Who can forget the Silver Fern projected onto the Sydney Opera House. Christians and other faith communities have held Silent Vigils and workplaces and schools have prayed for the victims and their families, the nation of New Zealand and a better, more peaceful world.

In the words of my parish priest Father Peter Boyland:

To all  our Muslim brothers and sisters in New Zealand, Australia and around the world, we stand in solidarity with you in your horror, grief and distress. We continue to pray for the deceased, the injured and all the individuals and communities who have been affected by this senseless violence.

The attacks on innocent lives at a worshipping place were sadly motivated by hatred and prejudice against people of the Muslim faith. So we must condemn Islamophobic, racist and extremist violence in all its forms. It is an offence to God, to believers of all faiths, to people of goodwill and to our common humanity. Times like this should make us reflect on how we treat one another in words and actions. We reap what we sow. Let us therefore not only eliminate the fruit of prejudice, hatred and violence but also its seeds in their many forms and on many levels of our society.

In these difficult times when destructive influences seek to divide us on the basis of race, colour, ethnicity or religion, may Muslims, Christians, people of all faiths, and all people of goodwill remain united in heart , mind and resolve.

How fortunate we are at John Wollaston to have fostered a culture which is genuinely caring and inclusive. We celebrate diversity in all its forms knowing that our community is richer for it.

With best wishes.

Anne Ford

Principal