FROM THE REL

Miss Lauren Considine

I have been putting off this newsletter item for a few weeks now. Not ready to put pen to paper, so to speak, knowing that it was the last time I would share a reflection with this community. So before I get started I need to begin by saying thank you! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me, thank you for entrusting me with your children as their teacher and faith formation coordinator. 

Most of you wouldn’t know that when I arrived I was searching for a family- and I found it with you all. I had just lost my dad, finished my Masters and left a school I really loved on the gut feeling that I needed a change. because there hadn’t been enough happening in my life at that point! 

I walked through the doors and felt at home. Then kids welcomed me with open arms, just as the parents and staff did, and I knew that there was something special about this place! So while it is hard to say, it's now time to say goodbye again and start a new adventure closer to home and away from the Monash! So what pearls of wisdom do I have for you all before I depart?

This week's Gospel asks the question… ‘Are you the one … or must we wait?’ While reading I reflected deeply on the word ‘wait’. Life is all about waiting! While we often like to control the situations in our lives, sometimes we can’t. A few weeks ago I had to have the tough conversation with Julie that I was taking a job elsewhere for 2023. There were tears!! And while it would have been easy to stay here, in a place I love, where I see potential and worth, the road less traveled can be pretty amazing too if we have the courage to pursue it. After making an extensive mental pro-con list I chose to be brave and to trust that God has a plan- even if I have hesitations. So for whatever lies ahead for each of you, I pray that you will all have the courage and faith to do the same in the future. 

Advent invites us to be more perceptive, to take time out to see the presence of God with us. The psalm this weekend says, ‘Look! Your God is coming to save you.’ Look within your own life, your family, your workplace, your neighbourhood and recognise the sure signs of God’s presence. Take care, enjoy the festive season upon us and may life be kind to you all in the future. 

God bless, 

Lauren Considine