Principal

Honouring Our Grandparents

Last Friday we honoured grandparents which was fitting because World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly was commemorated in the Catholic church on Sunday 23 July 2023. 

I know I adored my grandparents and this year, in addition to thinking of them and missing them, it was especially poignant because now I am a grandmother too to my beloved Leo (who has just turned one! Nonna. One of the most special names that I have ever been called!)

Pope Francis announced a few years ago that this day will be marked each year around the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus (26 July). 

In a message for the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis said:

 older people, even if “energy is running out”, have a “renewed vocation”. 

“It makes no difference how old you are, whether you still work or not, whether you are alone or have a family, whether you became a grandmother or grandfather at a young age or later, whether you are still independent or need assistance,” he wrote. 

“Because there is no retirement age from the work of proclaiming the Gospel and handing down traditions to your grandchildren. You just need to set out and undertake something new.” 

Our Year 5 students were very excited to host their grandparents for mass, morning tea and classroom visits. This day is an occasion for us to slow down, to appreciate the wisdom of years past, and to thank those who have handed it down to us. In short, it is a time to receive and to give.

First, it is a time to receive and to appreciate all that they have given us. Many of us have wonderful memories of our grandparents. Maybe we recall a celebration or family tradition, or perhaps simply their presence in our lives. We might have a keepsake that reminds us of them, of the times we shared with them one-on-one, and of their love for us. We treasure their stories and advice. These things remind us of what we have received — and continue to receive — from them.

One thing we receive from them is perspective in the here and now. We live in turbulent times. We can focus so much on our current circumstances that we give them an outsized importance and perhaps think that we are alone in facing our challenges. Our grandparents and the elderly put things in perspective and teach us that we are not alone. They remind us that there have been difficulties in the past — often greater than our current difficulties — and that many have gone before us and have faced similar struggles. They themselves struggled, suffered setbacks and sorrows, but still found much joy in their lives. By looking back and reflecting, we can see that they are able to offer us unparalleled advice and perspective.

The elderly also pass on to us the Church’s faith and traditions. This inheritance gives us strength in present trials and hope for the future. Many current ideas and ideologies compete for our attention. But they are passing. Our grandparents and the elderly give us the enduring truths that have built up our Church and our nation. They teach us the importance of our faith for strengthening us in our difficulties and preparing us for the future. That is why I am always moved when children choose a grandparent to be their Confirmation sponsor. Seeking the wisdom of the elderly is a sign of maturity!

The World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly is an opportunity to give. Since they have given us so much, we should give back to them. What we have to give to them is both simple and powerful: time, attention, and love. In light of this celebration, I encourage, first of all, families to reach out and to visit their elderly family members and friends. What a great consolation and joy for them to receive the affection of their grandchildren, to see their work and wisdom continue in future generations. Parishes also could organise children from the school or from the youth group to visit the homebound or those in the many assisted living facilities in our diocese. The exchange of wisdom and joy in such visits benefit both the children and the elderly. Finally, our young adults have much enthusiasm and zeal to bring to the elderly, as well as much to learn from them. We teach young people to honour the elderly when we live out the virtues and values passed on to us, and we appreciate the elderly when we keep them in our daily prayers. What important lessons to help them through life!

Indeed, “In old age they will still bear fruit!” Let us detach ourselves from our culture’s busyness so that we can both treasure what we receive from our grandparents and the elderly and be generous in giving back!

Prayer

Staff Changes

• At the end of this week, we farewell Ms Jessica Burgess (RE teacher). We thank her for her dedication to the students of this College, both in the classroom and Co-curricular activities. Ms Christine Daoud-Atyee will take over some of her classes with some senior classes being re-allocated so that boys are minimally disrupted.
   
• Ms Renee Buchanan commenced her Parental Leave this week and we are delighted to have been able to secure the services of an experienced Mathematics teacher, Mr Leon Petersen however, he needs to serve out his notice period in his current school and will be here in three weeks. In the interim, all of her classes will be covered by our current teaching staff, and I thank all of those who are carrying heavier loads in order to minimise disruption to our students.

Dr Vittoria Lavorato

Principal

SPC boys can do anything! 

**except divide by zero