Chaplain's Spot

‘Who am I?’

Another school year has begun. I wonder how your holiday has been. One of my activities was to create a list of ‘26 things to do in 2026’. It is a mixture of one-off items and ongoing challenges. It is also categorised by health/exercise, self, family, others.

One item is to complete all my jigsaws, including new ones [mostly purchased from the Opp Shop]. I have completed 6 so far. I like the challenge, even the ‘Where’s Wally?’ one. 

The following quote refers to the discovery of knowing ‘who I am’. We are most at peace when we discover our strengths, the qualities that are inherently ‘me’. From a place of such strength, we can empower others to find and embrace their own strengths.  

For those families who are new to the school, here are a few facts about who I am:

I was born in the same year that Mount Everest was first successfully climbed. [Look it up if you don’t know]. I have a wife, Bonnie, [who coordinates our Toast Tuesday program], three children and five grandchildren. Bonnie and I have lived in the same Heathmont house for almost 47 years. I love music, brain puzzles and walking. I attend a gym 3 times a week. I am a man of faith, who seeks to empower others in their journey of life. I often wear odd socks and tell jokes. I love having FUN!

May this year be a significant one for you and your family. You will see below my theme for this year - ‘Be the best you’. That will be my ongoing encouragement for students and the whole school community throughout the year.  

Community wellbeing:  

Toast Tuesday: This free breakfast program runs weekly in the SPC on Tuesdays at 8.30am until the first bell, and is open to all. Woolies Eastland helps support this weekly program with a monthly gift card for our toast spreads. We will start on 10 February. 

The link to the roster is volunteersignup.org/9MJL8

Baker Delight goods: We are thankful to Bakers Delight Heathmont, for their generous provision of loaves for Toast Tuesday. If you would appreciate regular bread or rolls, please email me below, or see me at school. They are available at Toast Tuesday, or are given to your child. 

Second-hand uniforms: If you need any uniforms, we have a large supply of second-hand items in good condition available. Gold coins are all you need. Feel free to email me, or check us out at Toast Tuesday.

Contact: I am happy to meet with any parents who would like to chat about life. Come and see me on Tuesdays or Fridays. I am happy to chat about family, fears, faith, friends, food [lack of] or anything really. Email me if you would to do so. 

I can meet with students once, and for any further contact we ask parents/guardians to sign a Consent Form for an ongoing connection. If you would like a form, I can send one home or email one to you. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting our School  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.