Wellbeing

Chaplain's Corner

2018 - Bring it on!

The holidays have come and gone and school has commenced again for another year. We’ve said good-bye to 73 or so grade 6 kids and on Tuesday we welcomed another 74 (ish) new Foundation students to our school. And so the cycle starts again – new shoes, hats and school bags, pencil cases and lunch boxes. As a parent, it's exciting and terrifying all at the same time.

I trust that each of you will have a streamlined start to the school year. There is so much to think about and so many routines to be re-established. It’s not always easy to get back into the groove. As you commence 2018, I trust that each of you will be equal to the challenges that it presents. I know that for some, 2017 was a year of great challenge. For some, it was a year that dished out more that its fair share of pain. For others, it was a year of joy and discovery.  The reality is that we don’t know what 2018 is going to offer us. But as you face up to the New Year, may you be equal to whatever it dishes up. Look for every opportunity to smile, listen and encourage. Dream your dreams, share your ideas and keep your chin up. Do your best to look for opportunities to include, befriend and encourage others. It's these things that make our community so special.

I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and also meeting many new ones. I'm excited about 2018. This is my 11th year as School Chaplain and so the kids that started with me in Prep (as it was then) are now commencing Year 10 . It's been lots of fun and I'm expecting 2018 to be as action packed as ever. In weeks to come I will outline a bit about the Chaplaincy Program at Blackburn Primary School.  I am generally around at school each Monday and Friday. Feel free to drop in and say hi. I love visitors. Otherwise, feel free to drop me an email or give me a call at school.

I wish everyone a very happy start to the school year and I look forward to sharing some adventures with you during 2018.

Cheers

Phil Simpson - School Chaplain

psimpson@vicbar.com.au