Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff and Students,LONELINESS IN LOCKDOWN
As you would all be aware I took leave in Term 2 for my daughter’s wedding and some other family matters (a new Grandson for my son and his wife). It was a magical time and I feel blessed to have had it and thank Mr McAllister and the College Executive for their support.
A significant incident occurred for me when I was away. At a ‘pre’ wedding event (as all young ones have nowadays) we attended a restaurant and had a wonderful meal. As the dancing commenced, I naturally stood back (have you seen me dance!)
One of the others attending was a friend of my daughter’s sitting down and cheering others on as they danced and I went over to say hello. She was a relatively short lady and so happy for the happiness of those dancing. We had a chat and I realised that I knew her parents and she was so pleased to be at the event.
As we talked she revealed her disability about her capacity to move freely and her love of others being able to dance. But her joy in watching others was truly uplifting. After some time, she had other friends come over and I moved off. As I said to her how much I enjoyed our chat she said to me – "thank you for noticing me, most people don’t"
"Most people don’t". I was a bit stunned and taken aback and the reason it comes back to me now is that I read of the isolation that so many Australians are feeling in this lockdown period. Unable to visit sick relatives in hospital or homes. Unable to cross into LGA’s of concern and visit family (like me). A forced separation of loved ones, sometimes overseas and unable to come ‘home’.
I ask that we all look to our neighbour, friends, classmates or whomever that may be in a position of loneliness. YOU can make a huge difference to someone by reaching out to them, offering a conversation, or a smile, or a chance to be listened to. Make it a goal that before the end of this Term there is a someone that has been uplifted because of your actions. They are worth it, but more importantly – YOU ARE WORTH IT.
PARALYMPICS
One of the few good things about the lockdown was being able to watch a bit of the Olympics - well, a lot at times - Cheering on our sporting heroes as they took on the world’s best. Australia uniting behind our athletes and forgetting about the covid virus for a while. The entire world having its focus shifted to a wonderful sporting event.
We now see the Paralympics on the TV and cheer on another group of Australian representatives. “C’mon Aussie c’mon”, let’s get behind them. Most events will be live on the various Channel 7 channels or their streaming services.
What a massive first day gold rush for the athletes. I was glued to the TV with a massive smile and a tear in my eye as the stories of the hurdles these athletes have lived with unfolded.
At the lead in to the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday night they replayed highlights of Kurt Fearnley’s incredible win in the marathon. He then said – ‘No one owns the green and gold, you carry it while you are given the honour’. And what an honour, to represent your country. Let’s get behind them.
PRAYERS FOR OUR INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
The terrible outbreak of Covid-19 that we are going through has made our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community particularly vulnerable. Those living in the central and west of NSW are extremely vulnerable to the disease. We keep these brothers and sisters in our prayers over the coming weeks and months.
CONNECTION TO FAITH AND CHURCH
Each Sunday I watch and participate in the Mass online from the Cathedral in Wollongong. Sadly, it is the best that I can do at the moment.
But it doesn’t alter my faith. Since the beginning of the Catholic Church there have been trials and periods of time that connection has been prohibited.
Fr John Therry was a pioneer in challenging the Anglican English domination of the Irish Catholics that he fought against in the 1820 – 1850’s, eventually establishing churches and schools that were open to Catholics. Establishing St Mary’s Cathedral and St John’s in Campbelltown along the way.
I urge all to stay firm in the faith at this time. Lean on your faith and beliefs as we work through this pandemic and towards a safer society.