Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan
The events last week in Christchurch have brought a great sadness to our world. As I watch and read about what occurred I can’t help but think about our children and how they may be processing what they are seeing and hearing. I wonder what our children must be trying to understand when we talk about our Catholic faith as one of love, hope and trust as the world is so deeply affected by extreme racism and fanaticism.
Faith, no matter what type, must be grounded in hope. Faith must be accompanied by prayer. Faith must be what takes us into the future with confidence that the tragedy of Christchurch will make us stronger in our belief that love and goodness must triumph over hate and wickedness. The 2019 message from our Director of Schools, Peter Turner, takes a whole new meaning this week.
There have been some thoughtful posts on social media over the weekend that may help us, as adults, reflect on what has occured. The Abbey at Jamberoo posted:
… In the midst of this darkness, we continue to offer light,
in the midst of terror, we keep walking in peace,
in the midst of despair, we always hold out hope.
God who journeys with us and knows the depths of our sorrow, hear our prayers this day and come to the aid of your people. Amen
Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest who heads the Centre for Action & Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico wrote:
“We have the capacity to grow beyond tribalism and nationalism into a new identity, one that holds space for everyone to belong and be loved.” As we hold the families of the victims in our hearts, Valarie Kaur suggests that we “Love as sustained practical care. Love as courage.”
Bishop Brian invited all in our Catholic communities to join together with the Illawarra People for Peace in an ecumenical peace vigil last Monday evening. This demonstrates the importance of us always recognising that faith of any type, that any religion can be seen as love, hope and trust in action.
Whilst our adult understanding and reflection can takes us to a deeper part of our own faith, our children may not yet be ready to understand such events in this way. Some helpful tips for talking to your child about the victims of Christchurch and the events that occurred are:
- Give your children as much information as they ask for. But answer the question asked, don't offer too much information.
- Stay aware of things they might see or hear. Remind them to ask you questions, if they hear information they do not understand.
- Tell children they're safe and that people are helping keep them safe.
- Don't shy away from telling them people have been hurt and killed.
- Remember to talk about feelings as much as facts.
- Find a space to process their own feelings, if they're struggling they should get help.
- Remember their reactions may be delayed.
And remember to let them know that they can pray for the victims and their families.
Regards,
Toni Sillis
Principal