ECOLOGICAL INSPIRATION FROM LOCKDOWN

During these challenging Lockdown times it may be easy to feel flat and/or allow pessimism or negativity to set in. Yet we need to be mindful that this is something which is temporary and something that will pass.

As obvious as it seems, the more that we can live in the present and find positives out of challenging situations the better off our future will be. Furthermore, the degree of resilience and persistence which our young people will learn from these times, skills will come into greater use throughout their lives, will make them stronger.

Indeed, there are many positives which will eventuate from these remote, lockdown days. As I was looking for inspiration for this fortnight’s newsletter I couldn’t help but be impressed by yesterday’s article in The Scotsman, in which Scottish artist Annie Broadley, reflected on how nature can be both an artistic and intellectual inspiration (https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/covid-lockdown-reminded-us-of-how-nature-is-both-an-artistic-and-intellectual-inspiration-annie-broadley-3342189).

In the article, Broadley reflects on numerous inspirations for her art. She reminds the readers that the 19th and 20th Century poets, writers, and philosophers such as Wordsworth and Thoreau not only found great affinity in nature but wrote of the deep spirituality connected with their natural world.

Broadley comments on how during COVID-19, in the absence of ‘normal human activity’, there have been numerous accounts of nature regenerating “marvellously well without us” – in spite of (or rather due to) a global pandemic.

Additionally, and perhaps giving hope to humanity, she writes about how many animals have made amazing adaptations throughout time to survive extreme conditions. And so too will humans, as we continue to overcome challenging times (whether it be flood, bushfire, or disease) and ultimattely enhance our own existence, technologies, and circumstances.

This brings Broadley to one of her critical messages which we can learn from: “[i]t is vital that we cease to treat nature as an infinite resource which is at our disposal and ours to use at will. We should take from it only what it can sustainably give.”

Broadley conveys her feelings about her art in her landscape paintings and recognises how nature is pivotal to her own wellbeing: “the changing seasons with their colours, scents and sounds hav[ing] a unique impact upon my moods, thoughts and feelings … nature communicates with an immediacy unparalleled by anything else.”

Our current experience of Lockdown may certainly impact on our desire to connect with nature and perhaps this may help to emphasise its overarching importance. To what extent then do we need to reconsider our relationship with the natural world and reflect on ecological and environmental policies and actions going into the future? Can Lockdown broaden our connection with both spirituality and nature, and can it be an opening to further safeguard our natural world?

REMOTE LEARNING

I am very thankful for the ongoing work of the College Leadership Team, our teachers, and our Office Staff during this extended period of Remote Learning.

If you have any queries, please ensure that the classroom teacher is the first point of contact (via direct email or through the College Office) and then, depending on the issue, the Year Coordinator and Faculty Leader of Learning. Significant issues could then be elevated to the Pastoral Care Coordinator or Curriculum Coordinator.

ZOOM FOR YEAR 12 PARENT/CARER 

I would like to thank and commend the attendees (over 100) who sat in on last night’s Zoom regarding the upcoming Year 12 Online Trial HSC Examinations.

The new mode of examinations, while certainly different, complies with NESA and CSSA guidelines and we believe it will provide quite invaluable examination practice as students move towards Term Four.

A link to a recording of this Zoom will be sent to parents/carers through Compass.

PRAYER

This newsletter’s prayer (provided by CEO Wollongong) is actually a reflection surrounding Saint Mary MacKillop, for whom we recently celebrated a Feast Day.

Last Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Australia’s only saint, Saint Mary of the Cross, Mary MacKillop. Some suggest Mary was a woman ahead of her time, others believe just a resilient, hardworking dedicated woman who saw a need and actioned a response. “Never see a need without doing something about it.”

It feels very apt to pause and reflect on Mary’s life in the year we celebrate 200 years of Catholic education in Australia. Whilst Mary did not begin Catholic schooling in Australia her input was immeasurable. She recognised the fact that many children could not access this education for financial reasons and felt strongly that God’s love needed to be shared with all. So strongly that she begins the battle which would eventually enable many Australian children to access Catholic Education and give them a chance for a stronger relationship with their God.

To fulfill this plan, she surrounded herself with like-minded people who could assist with the workload. It was here that the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart first came to be. Many of our own Diocesan schools were begun by this same order and today we are blessed to have the continued support of these sisters in three of our schools. Mary saw a need and, with much courage, acted on it with the assistance of many others in tow.

Mary’s journey was not trouble-free. She fought many battles along the way and her faith was continually tested as she trod a path that upset many. Throughout this time and with these challenges she showed resilience and continued to fight for what she believed was right. Mary epitomised our Diocesan core values of Hope, Integrity, Justice, and Compassion. She modelled being faith-filled for us as she lived by “Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God.” (1891)

As a diocese we continue to uphold what Mary fought for – that Catholic schooling is available to all, that Catholic schools be places where children gain access to knowledge and opportunities to allow for an encounter with their God. We learn from Mary how to stay true to our convictions, work hard for what we believe to be right and show resilience when obstacles are thrown our way.

Reflection questions:

Who do you surround yourself with when tasks just need to be done?

Where did you see a need this week and act on it?

How does Mary’s example help you to endure your daily struggles?

Mary modelled reaching out to those who were vulnerable and/or marginalised. This is a timely reminder for us as we live through the challenges that COVID-19 continues to bring. How are we reaching out to others?