REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK

MARK 6:30-34

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

This reading reminds us that there are times in our lives when we get run down and worn out because we simply try to do too much without taking time to care for ourselves properly. Going away to a ‘deserted place’ is very appealing when we find ourselves bombarded by the ‘things we have to do’ and ‘the people for whom we need to be available’. Some of these expectations come from others, but many come from our own sense of duty or obligation or from our love for others. These are all good reasons for being involved in day to day life.

However, we also need to find a ‘deserted place’ to take time to regroup and to replenish ourselves – physically, emotionally and spiritually. If we don’t take care of the carer then we will not be able to do the things that we wish to achieve.

The Year 12 Retreat was a time for both staff and students to find ‘a deserted place’ in order to check that our lives are going on the right track and that our relationships are in order. In the busy lives of parents it might just be a few minutes stolen here and there to relax (without feeling guilty).

Then we can be like Jesus in the Gospel and have ‘compassion for them’ and let our gifts make a real difference in the lives of others.

Dr Tony Finn

Deputy Principal - Community

COMMUNITY SERVICE EXPERIENCE

From the 8 to 10 January 2018, I completed my Community Service at an age care facility called Jacaranda Village, in Red Cliffs. It was not my first time at this facility, and one again I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I was able to talk to lots of elderly people and the staff, who dedicate their time to look after and support the people there.

By talking to the residents, I was able to listen about all the different types of stories, life experiences, family stories, travelling experiences etc.

My time at Jacaranda Village included participating in activities with the residents, such as going shopping, playing scrabble and doing crosswords, manicures and recommended exercise. I was even able to introduce some residents to 3D virtual reality glasses, which some of them thoroughly enjoyed, and some were very confused about the purpose of inventing 3D virtual reality, but still enjoyed.

I was able to help the staff with things such as serving lunch, cleaning up, taking residents for walks around the village and just generally assisting . I never realised how much they did, nurses deserve a lot more credit.

Overall, I am extremely happy with my community service placement and I would highly recommend Jacaranda Village for Community Service, to anyone who was genuinely interested in serving the community and enjoying your time while doing it.

Cassie Russell

Student