Dear Parents and Carers of Good Samaritan,

On Saturday we celebrate the Feast of Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop was a big hearted woman full of compassion and love. She felt and experienced the abundance of God’s love for her. In times of trials and tribulations she found refuge in the hospitable heart of God’s love. ‘When storms rage, when persecutions or dangers threaten, I quietly creep into the deep abyss of the Sacred Heart; and securely sheltered there, my soul is in peace’ (1907). She was a woman whose heartbeat was in unison with the heartbeat of God. In her life she became a heartbeat of God for our wounded world.

As we progress through 2020 with all of its trials, I wonder if we take the time to reflect on what keeps our hearts full of trust when facing difficult situations?

The news coming out of Victoria each day is troubling. We hear of rising numbers of COVID-19 cases and increased lockdowns and curfews. However, we also hear about those who are trying to do the right thing for the common good of all. One of our most basic Catholic teachings is solidarity. Standing in solidarity during these current times works to support all of us in our physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Our community has been incredibly supportive of our school. I cannot fault our parent community in their commitment to ensuring that the school remains to look and feel safe. Last week’s wet weather pick up was testament to this commitment. I am so grateful for the way in which our parents followed the procedures and made dismissal so easy for our staff.

Mary MacKillop faced many difficulties over the course of her life - not least being excommunicated from a Church that she so desperately loved. But what an incredible woman! Her life was a great example of compassion and love. Love and compassion didn’t mean that she shied away from the difficulties of life but rather that she confronted them knowing that her work would benefit people way beyond her lifetime.

This week I leave you with this passage for reflection - one which Mary would often have prayed:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

    because he has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

    and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free.

Luke 4:18-19

As we continue to journey together with Jesus,

Toni Sillis

Principal