Chaplains Chat 

After running our special annual Mother/Daughter event for 12 years, we were determined to look at an alternate way of still offering something of value, interest and worth for our grade 5/6 girls and their mums. And so our first Zoom M/D event was created by an amazing team of creative and ‘tech savy’ teachers with a wonderful line up of guest presenters who each shared their journey of pursuing their dreams and goals and never gave up, despite some significant challenges along the way. I’d like to share with you some of the ‘take home’ messages from me.

Shae Slone, a 28 year old teacher, was drafted as a ‘rookie’ to Melbourne Football Club in 2018/19. She was also the captain of the Australian Womens Volley Ball team and played this sport for 10 years.  Despite injuring her ACL twice in football training sessions, she was determined to bounce back and keep trying despite facing this obstacle.  She encouraged our girls by sharing:

• Surround yourself with strong empowering women.
• Make a lot of friends.
• If you get stuck – ask for help.
• Learn from those around you.
• Chase your dreams
• Support each other through difficult times.

Kristen Lyons is a Professor of Sociology from the University of Queensland. She shared her passion about education and research and the values that drive her to achieve her personal best. She said that it is helpful to always be curious about the social world and ask questions.  Kristen spoke about the importance of volunteering and how this contributes to a more meaningful life. Some valuable life lessons she has learned along her journey so far are:

• Education is the most powerful weapon we have, along with kindness and compassion.
• Listen deeply.
• Wins come in all shapes and sizes
• There is always cause for hope.
• Find joy everyday.
• Difficult stuff will happen.
• Life is an adventure, be a detective.

Bonnie Anderson was 12 years old, when in 2007 she was the first winner of Australia’s Got Talent.  She is a talented singer – songwriter and joined the cast of Neighbours in 2018.  She shared that after winning the competition, it was a “weird adjustment” going back to her schooling at Mt. Lilydale Mercy College.  She spoke about the importance of having dreams and goals and taking every opportunity towards achieving these. Every step in this journey is about “making amazing memories.” I love that she encouraged our young girls to write down positive quotes/aspirations and to regularly read these. Her favourite quote is; “Be the best version of yourself.”  She ended by saying to focus on the positives, not the negatives.

Our last guest presenter was Esther Rijk who grew up in Healesville.  At just 19 years of age, Esther started ‘The Kick Start Project’ a charity to help disadvantaged children in Kenya.  After witnessing the poor standard of education in the slums, Esther became inspired to make a change for these children, and thus in 2015, the idea for The Kickstart Project was born. The main purpose of this charity is to create a brighter future through education, health and sustainable solutions. Esther is passionate about the impact that one educated child can have on his or her family, and immediate community. This can be life changing.  Helping just one child becomes a whole family, a whole community, and a next generation that is happier, healthier and more fulfilled that the last one – this is the ripple effect.  This is what drives The Kickstart Project.  If you would like to read more about the amazing impact this charity is having, please see their website; https://thekickstartproject.com.au/

All four presenters are great examples of strong, determined women who have pursued their dreams and passions.  They have persisted and gone on to achieve remarkable things, making a positive difference in our world. I’m confident that they have each inspired our grade 5/6 girls to discover what their passions are and to press onward and upward towards their goals. 

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”

Blessings,

Veronica

Frankie 5/6A

Last night was the 5/6 girls, Mother Daughter night. Because of the covid-19 restrictions  it was held via Zoom. During the night we had three live guest speaker's. Kristen Lyons, who is an activist for environmental issues, a professor in sociology and a one-time politician.  Shae Sloane, an ex Australian volleyball champion and now an AFLW player who is pushing through many injuries, while being a teacher and Esther Rijk, who supports and sponsors African kids who would have never gotten an education without her and her organisation ‘The Kickstart Program’.  We also had a video from Bonnie Anderson, who is a singer-songwriter and actor on Neighbours.  She has also won many awards including Australia's Got Talent and the Masked Singer 2020.  Many of these women have also grown up around the Yarra Valley, just like us.  Both of us felt very inspired and driven to follow our dreams and passions, they did and look how far it's gotten them. These guest speaker's have taught us that we can do anything if we put our minds to it. We’ve realised that girls can accomplish anything that boys can, we shouldn’t let our genders stop us.  But this night wouldn't have happened if Veronica, Andre and the 5/6 teachers were not there to organise it all, we are super lucky and grateful because we know not many schools do this. 

It was such a special night for the grade 5/6  Woori girls.