Chaplain's Spot
"A letter I would like to write"
When I was a teenager, living in Morwell [Gippsland], I always enjoyed receiving a letter in the mail. I used to collect stamps, and First Day Covers when new stamps were introduced. My auntie Margaret often sent me First Day covers with new stamps. I loved receiving them. They showed that someone special was thinking of me.
Letters aren’t so much of a treat these days. Communication is via emails, text messages, Facebook, and lots of other ways. Regardless of the way it is done, we always feel encouraged when someone cares enough to contact us.
I recently created a worksheet for students, with the emphasis on empowering them to express how they feel, whether it is thankful or fearful, gratitude or anxiety, excitement or sadness. This worksheet can be used to make others feel good about themselves, to show them that they are appreciated, and thank them for their special care.
Perhaps as a family you might like to write to some people who are special to you. I know that we often don’t tell people how important they are to us, and sometimes it is too late because they have died. Why wait? Start a letter this weekend!
The other aspect of writing a letter may be about a person who has hurt or disappointed you in the past. You may not feel strong enough to face them, and challenge them about their actions. However, you may feel able to write a letter, telling them how you are feeling. Even if you don’t send it, you may feel better about yourself for writing it. Sometimes just writing it can bring peace, as you get it out of your head, and let it go.
A third aspect of writing a letter can be writing to your older self about your dreams for the future. I have done this before, and it is an interesting experience reading it a year later.
However you might use this resource – may it bring progress and fulfilment for you. I can email you the above sheet if you would like to use it. Enjoy the last week of term! I trust that your school break will be the right balance of restful, productive, fun and … coffee or chocolate or whatever gets you through. See you next term.
Community wellbeing:
Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs before school in the SPC, open to all. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with our toast spreads. We will start again in week 2 of Term 4, the week after production.
The link to the roster is volunteersignup.org/HYYEX
Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If your family would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school.
Uniforms: If you need any second-hand uniforms at any time, we have a large supply available, especially shorts from size 4 to 14. Gold coins are all you need. Feel free to email me if you have sizes you need, or check us out at Toast Tuesday.
Contact: Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss anything about the above, or anything affecting your family. I am able to meet with students once, and for any further contact we ask parents/guardians to sign a Consent Form for an ongoing connection.
Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]
[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]
Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing.
Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.
