Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

This week the students are focusing on the Love of Learning Mission Behaviour of Involve. During the Stage 3 meeting on Monday morning the children were asked to think about how they feel when they are involved with others. Their responses showed a great depth of thought and understanding. They included: ‘I feel seen’; ‘I feel valued’; ‘I feel a part of something.’

We can never underestimate the power of involving others in our work and recreation activities. It also speaks to the importance of listening to others and taking the time to really be in the moment with them.

Being present to others can be difficult and being present to ourselves can be even more so. This week I offer you a spiritual practice that to support being present to yourself in order to be present to others.

Can you be present to this little bit of now?

Get curious: see if you can be present in a positive way, knowing that, reading these words, you're likely carrying the day's events, the day's memories, the day's hurts, and the day's disappointments.

We can let go of these right now, if we choose, because we're going to move into a different kind of knowing, one that the ordinary mind with its ordinary cares simply isn't up for.

Don't be afraid of this silence.

Don't be afraid of what first feels like boredom or nothingness.

Don't be afraid of this silence, which is where God seems to be.

Don't be afraid of this loneliness now and all that it might offer.

Out of this silence, and this hopefully more spacious place, let this prayer resonate in you.

God for us, we call you Father.

God alongside us, we call you Jesus.

God within us, we call you Holy Spirit.

You are the eternal mystery that enables, enfolds, and enlivens all things.

Even us and even me.

Every name falls short of your goodness and greatness.

We can only see who you are in what is.

We ask for such perfect seeing –

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.

Amen. (So be it.)

As we journey through this week, together, with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal