Wellbeing

It takes a village to raise a child! For as long as I can remember this has been one of my favourite sayings. I truly believe that children, parents or caregivers experience significant benefits emotionally, practically, socially and physically being part of a safe, caring community. Doing life on our own can sometimes feel overwhelming, the pressures of life can get on top of each of us, which is normal. However, when we are connected to a 'village', we can experience validation, acceptance, belonging, friendship, practical support and the knowledge that we are not alone.

With this in mind let me introduce myself. My name is Lisa Osborne and I am the new chaplain at BPS. I am very excited to be given this opportunity to serve and support the children, staff and parents of this incredible community. Stepping into this role I was very aware of the incredible chaplains who have gone before me. Both Carly Cassidy and Phil Simpson are people I respect and admire, their passion and commitment to care for others with integrity and grace is an example for all of us, I am blessed to call them both friends. It has been with their encouragement that I applied for the role of chaplain and I am so grateful that I did.

My husband Kirk and I have 5 children, our oldest two kids we have fostered since birth, Kira is 25yrs and Josh is 20yrs, Lachlan is 16yrs, Caitlyn 15yrs and Jackson is 12yrs ( my last at primary school!). We also have a cavoodle dog called Archie. I come from a social work, counselling background and in my later years I went back to university and became a midwife. Our family attends One Community Church across the road from BPS. Other than work my week consists of a lot of kids sport, uber driving my kids around, catching up with friends and church.

Three weeks in to my new role at BPS and I am loving it. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. I have visited every classroom and met a lot of your beautiful friendly children. I have been telling the kids that I have 500 names to try and remember and asked them to be patient if I forget theirs, which they have been. It is my sincere hope to build on the amazing work that Carly and Phil have established as I am passionate about supporting children, families and communities to thrive and hopefully establish or build healthy 'villages' together.

My work days are Monday and Thursdays, so please come and say hi and please feel free to contact me if you have anything you would like to discuss or if you or your child needs support in any way. Together we do better!

Sincerely, Lisa Osborne

Email: Lisa.Osborne@education.vic.gov.au