Flood Recovery…

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole community as we travel through this flood crisis and recovery together.  Over the last ten days, I’ve heard many of your stories and the associated grief and trauma you have been going through, but I am also encouraged by your resilience and courage, and the support and assistance given from those who have mucked in to help. 

My efforts at school to help have been concentrated on these things:

Parent Café - I am available 8:30-9:30am each day this week to talk with parents, (and not just those in crisis).  The café is also a space where you can meet other parents over a cuppa if you would like to stay.  It is operating under L Block and with this hot week, it has been moved into the kitchen / junior first aid area to take advantage of the air-conditioning.  Next week (15-17/3) the café will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.

Being School Ready – I walk around and check in with every class each day to see if students need help with uniforms, shoes, school bags, etc.  With so many recent donations, students needing assistance have been given what they need to be school ready.  There are more supplies available, so If you require further uniforms, shoes, etc. please let me know.  Donations are still appreciated, and will be accepted up at the office or the uniform shop.

Food Program – breakfast and lunch is being provided for out of the tuckshop thanks to the P&C staff. This essential program will continue, so please access the food supply if that is helpful. Students can bring their empty lunchboxes in to the tuckshop before school or at first break, and it will be filled. My freezer is full of ready-to-go sandwiches and there are also family-sized dinners available to take home if required.  If more are needed, there are many generous families who are happy to help cook.

Connection – I am taking phone calls, replying to emails, and meeting with parents as much as is possible.  Please feel free to connect with me if you need some extra help, although I recognise that there are many government services and agencies, as well as your own support networks that are meeting needs.

Thank you to all those generous people in our community who have been emailing and offering help.  As needs arise, I will be in touch. 

Quarantine Care Packages…

The quarantine care packages are still available if you are stuck at home.  I am happy to drop a package around to your family.  Please email me with your address and I’ll come as soon as possible. 

Harmony Day…

Unfortunately as we cope with the evolving trauma of our community and so many school closures this term, it has been decided to postpone Harmony Day to later in the year.  The rescheduled date has not yet been determined at this stage.

While Harmony Day is an important date in our school calendar, it takes considerable effort to make it such a special and memorable event.  Given the disruption we have already had this term, it is important that we concentrate on our mission of providing a great education for our students and lean into every learning opportunity.  I look forward to having our celebrations later in the year. 

Blessings, Chappy Jenny
Email – jennifer.bennett@suchaplaincy.org.au
Facebook and Instagram – Community_Chaplain