Chaplain’s Chat

Dear Mano community,

Welcome to a brand new school year! Welcome to the new families, welcome to our existing families and welcome to our fresh bunch of 2024 Preppies. 

I trust many were able to hit pause over the holidays and refresh from life’s rush.

I hope you were able to spend some quality time with your loved ones, take a break, a siesta, or engage in an activity you enjoy. Perhaps you witnessed your baby’s first steps, your child mastering a new skill, delighted in summer fruits, took an ocean plunge or beheld a beautiful sunset. I hope  simple pleasures  such as this richly  blessed your hearts.

I acknowledge that some families have had it tough over the past months. Life’s journey holds joys, surprises , dips and valleys. If you’ve experienced heartache, loss, illness, fear or strife - my thoughts are with you. If you’ve been under workplace pressure, under appreciated or your budget has been severely hammered -  my thoughts are with you.  I hope you have a caring network of friends and family, perhaps a local counsellor or a faith community to support you, your family, your children. Remember your Mano community -  parents, teachers and Principal team really care about your wellbeing. 

Please know that I am here for a confidential, non –judgmental chat.  Parents, you are most welcome to call the school to make a suitable time to meet me, or perhaps email  me about your circumstances so I can look out for your children.  I also conduct individual pastoral care sessions – building upon child strengths, self-esteem and social/emotional wellbeing. Contact  your classroom teacher or our Assistant Principal Mrs. Narelle Geary to obtain a parent consent form if you would like your child to participate.

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I’m happy to announce that  next week we will commence our popular milo café gatherings. These are child-friendly spaces  of connection, belonging and fun for our students. 

** “Chill’n with Kevin”  will change to Tuesdays at 8.30 am,  near the Art Room,  is for Prep- Grade 4 students, and operates on a capped free token system. Children line up for a warm milo, sit in a circle and “chill” with Kevin, and may join in a simple activity until the first bell.

** “Senior Pop In Café” runs every Thursday lunchtime at 2pm,  now in the round room space, is for Grade 5 & 6 students, and operates on a capped free ticket system. Senior volunteers help to run this café. Students receive a milo, a biscuit and if they wish may participate in group games. 

 I hope to see your child at one of these real soon!                                                                                                                                                             

Warm smiles, 

Cyndee Little

School Chaplain

Tuesdays and Thursdays