Pastoral Care News

2019 is coming to a close and if I take the time to reflect on what has been an extremely busy year I am amazed by the support, generosity and kindness that has been shown throughout the year and the commitment to change and reducing the impact of social justice and inequality. Special thank you must be given to our wonderful Year 10 Community Action Team leaders who have been the driving force behind all of our activities. I would also like to personally thank members of our wider school community who have continually supported the activities that were organised.

As a Catholic school our dedication and commitment to care and serve others is a reflection of our school’s vision statement. This has been demonstrated time and time again this year. We conduct our annual activities each term (Project Compassion, I Care Kits, Needy Paws and St Vincent de Paul Christmas hampers as well as supporting CAREVAN) but when the need arises we have responded to those within our local and wider community in their time of need; whether it be due to financial hardship, personal tragedy or social isolation. Our vision also states “where the lessons of today prepares us for the challenges of tomorrow”. There were many occasions throughout 2019 when students would approach me as they had concerns for the wellbeing of individuals, families and indeed for the entire town of Louth. The students followed the teachings of St Vincent de Paul SEE, ACT and DO and coordinated activities and initiatives which were embraced by students, their families and staff alike. These activities have made an incredible difference for the lives of others and provided much needed practical and emotional support for those experiencing personal crisis.

It has been a pleasure to watch these young people grow in confidence, develop leadership qualities and have a better understanding of the world we live in. I wish them all the very best as they transition into senior school and congratulate them for being selected to form our MCC Wellbeing Committee 2020 and taking on the responsibility of destigmatising mental health within our school. With young leaders such as this I am confident our world is in safe hands.

Next year I will again ask for students in year 7 to 10 to volunteer to be part of the C.A.T team. It is a wonderful opportunity for young people to meet other students and bring about the change we wish to see in our world.

As the school year draws to a close please keep our clothing pool in mind if you have items you no longer need or contact me if you require assistance please. We have a shortage of junior school uniforms and with the impact of drought and many new families relocating we are constantly looking for items.

In closing, I hope that each and every one of you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy and safe holiday break.

My wish for Christmas is that communities in need get some rain and people take the time to think about the true meaning of this significant time of year; peace and kindness to our fellow man. My thoughts and prayers are also with those impacted by the bush fires and the horrific events of recent days in New Zealand.

Kindest regards Sue Hone (Pastoral Care Worker)