Chaplain's Corner
Chinese Bamboo – A lesson in life
On Wednesday morning, I waved off my first born as she made her way to her Year 12 English Exam. There is a sense in which the last 13 years of school has culminated in this one moment. I still remember with absolute clarity walking her to Blacky Primary School and giving her a big hug on the tanbark just near the yellow slide. This was moments before she made her way to her Prep classroom (which back then was in the old building - probably the art room these days). Yes, it was a long time ago, but it feels like yesterday. I did it then with a heavy heart. This morning, it was mixed emotions. For her sake (and for the well-being of her parents), I’m keen to get the exam period over with. But these exams are an exclamation mark at the end of a long journey. Since she started at BPS in 2007, she’s been on countless excursions, incursions, camps and sports days. She’s made speeches at Assembly and attended Anzac services. The same goes for High School. All of these activities have been careering her toward this moment. And, every one of those previous experiences has played an important part in bringing her to this point.
I recently heard someone talking about Chinese Bamboo. I don’t know much about it myself. My parents had bamboo at their house and no-matter what we did, we never seemed to be able to stem its incredible growth. But what I recently discovered is that the growth of Chinese bamboo has some unique features. It requires fertile soil, watering, nurturing and sunshine. And then, for the first four years after its planting there is no reward. There is nothing visible and no shoots above the ground. But, for these 4 years, the bamboo plant is putting its shoots way down deep. They are forming and growing and getting stronger. They are providing a foundation for a strong, healthy and beautiful plant. And then, in their fifth year, something remarkable happens. The bamboo shoots poke through the ground and then go on to grow 80 feet in six weeks.
The growth of the bamboo plant bears similarities to the education journey. Primary School is providing an incredible foundation for our children. All the activities, games, camps, excursions and learning experiences at Primary School are laying the foundation for a strong future for our children. When you get up morning after morning the routine can seem impossible. Washing lunchboxes, finding drink bottles, making sandwiches and desperately searching for the school hat. Tomorrow morning when this routine starts again, take a moment to see the incredible potential of your little person or people. Try to imagine for a moment what they will grow into and the difference that they are going to make in this world. It’s a perspective changer.
Parenting is not the easiest task in the world. In fact, it’s probably the most difficult thing that any of us could do. The task of nurturing, disciplining, guiding, mentoring and encouraging do not let up. Building character is a slow and laborious process. But it’s laying the foundations for a solid future. So, keep on keeping on. Spend the time investing in your kids and their future. Make sure that they are living in fertile soil. Nurture them, love them and prune them just enough to make sure that they grow and develop in the right direction. Take the time to thank their teachers and carers at school for the role that they are playing in their development as well. Most of all, enjoy this stage of life. It passes very quickly. And before you know it, you’ll have your own 80-foot bamboo tree in the form of a teenage boy or girl, that you’ll be desperately proud of.
Cheers – Phil Simpson – School Chaplain
psimpson@vicbar.com.au
Calling all Petrol-Heads
The annual Blackburn Community Show & Shine is on again.
If you have something fast, shiny, unique or a little bit different, we’d love to have you along to the Blackburn Community Show & Shine.
When? SUNDAY December 1st
What time? 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm
Where? 184 Surrey Road, Blackburn (One Community Church)
Join us for a coffee and a snag - tell your friends, neighbours & family. This will be a great arvo of cars, bikes, sensational coffee & great company.
To bring a car or bike - send me a message - free entry for all.
Journey Beyond Fear
A few years ago, I met an extraordinary man and his family. They are refugees from Afghanistan. Like many refugees their monumental struggle to get to Australia took many years and much heartache. After 18 long years the UNHCR granted Besmillah and his family permanent residency in Australia. Their story is one of great challenge. Besmillah has now become a friend of mine.
In October 2018 the film “Journey Beyond Fear” was released. This captures the struggles of Besmillah and his family and their road towards Asylum. It’s very moving and enlightening. I saw the movie last year and it provided great insight into this difficult topic and put human faces to the news reports that we hear.
I would encourage anyone that is interested in the issue of Asylum seekers to come along to this event.
