Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

This coming Sunday we enter the season of Advent, a time of expectation and preparation. Advent also allows us the opportunity to reflect as we await the joy that Christmas brings. As the year comes to an end we look back with gratitude on the lives that we lead. Gratitude is the virtue of being able to receive and give thanks.

Gratitude is something that helps to define goodness. It also helps us to develop in maturity of our faith. We are mature to the degree that we are grateful. Theologian, Ron Rolheiser, writes about gratitude. He describes gratitude as an element that leads us to mature discipleship. He goes on to describe the essential components that that we should be recognizing as we are mature in our discipleship.

The first of these is Forgiveness. Sometimes the greatest struggle that we can have as mature people is to forgive. To forgive those who have hurt us, forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings, and forgive God for seemingly hanging us out to dry in this world. The greatest gift we can give ourselves is to not allow ourselves to die with a bitter, unforgiving heart.

Secondly, we need to Live in Gratitude. To be a saint is to be powered by gratitude. We need to be gracious always. By being at peace with God, by praying and by recognizing the holiness in others we live in gratitude.

Next we need to Become ever-wider in our embrace. We grow in maturity when we are able to define and recognise those whom we may have previously discriminated against or, have been less compassionate towards, as people who are warmed by the same sun as us and who God loves just as much.

Finally, we need to Stand where we stand and let God protect us. In the end, we

are all vulnerable, contingent, and helpless both to protect our loved ones and ourselves. We cannot guarantee life, safety, salvation, or forgiveness for ourselves or for those we love. Maturity depends upon accepting this with trust rather than anxiety. We can only do our best, whatever our place in life, wherever we stand, whatever our limits, whatever our shortcomings, and trust that this is enough, that if we die at our post, honest, doing our duty, God will do the rest.

As we approach the end of the school year, we need to take time to reflect on the good that the year has brought to our school community. Below is a video that recaps many of the Good Sam Moments. Take some time to view the video. I would appreciate some feedback about our school year and ask that you complete a short survey. Click here to access the survey.

As we journey together with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal