Chaplain's Spot
We’re back into term 4, with all the busyness that the final term brings. I trust that your school break was refreshing. Mine was refreshing plus busy with grandchildren. I know that some families have experienced challenging times during the break. Our hearts go out to them, as they navigate life in a new way. As I have heard about different things happening around us, across Australia, and around the world, I find my thoughts turn to gratitude. I feel so blessed by my life. We should never take for granted what we have, and who we have in our lives. I felt that it was time for considering what we are grateful for.
Perhaps the above format might be a good place to start. Some of them would be hard to choose. Favourite song? There are so many. I am so thankful for music in general. My parents helped me appreciate classical music, and I now love rock and roll with its energy. It’s much the same with food, although bananas, mushrooms, eggs and dark peppermint chocolate are top of the list.
Personally, I am thankful that I grew up in country towns in a simpler time, before computers, internet and technology. We gained an appreciation of nature, and made our own entertainment. I am also thankful for my health, and the opportunity to be able to exercise to keep fit.
The two main items on my list will not surprise you – faith and family. My faith helps keep me focussed, motivated and strong through life’s challenges, and as I care for others.
September is a major family month for us, with seven birthdays! We also operate a birthday KK as well as a Christmas one. Some in our family are very creative in their birthday gift ideas. We enjoy getting together, eating [of course], and playing games of all sorts, including the family version of Guess Who.
How about you? What are you grateful for? Gratitude helps us to put life into perspective. When things become difficult, there are still things that we are thankful for. There are always families going through life tougher than us. You only have to watch or listen to the news to see examples of this truth.
I trust that this focus will help you and your family to remember what you value in your life.
Community wellbeing:
Free resource: Last term I featured ideas from the book ‘101 Practical ways to motivate your child’. I have a spare copy of this book. If you would like it, I am happy to pass it on. Please see me at school, or email me to arrange to pick it up.
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.
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.
