From the Chaplain
This is my last article for 2025, and I wanted to say thank you to all those people within our community who have provided so much throughout the year to those less fortunate, whether it be groceries, clothes, gifts, or beautiful home-cooked meals. The photo below is of a card that I received from one of the couples that attend GAPP, a weekly community centre for the disadvantaged to which I take some of our meals on a Monday morning. The author told me that this is the only time of the week when she gets to eat good, healthy food. Your donations are always well appreciated and make a huge difference in people’s lives.
The SCEGGS Podcast “Walk The Mile” Episode 72 The Extraordinary Lessons That Teachers Learn with Lousie Willems and Greg Bass
It makes sense to think that the teacher’s job is to teach. But what is it they learn along the way — about themselves, about community, about people, about the world? In this episode, I talk to two teachers, Louise Willems and Greg Bass, currently teaching in different environments but with similar backgrounds. They share what they have picked up through their experiences, particularly during the time they have spent in remote Indigenous communities. I found it a fascinating conversation that I could certainly relate to. I hope you enjoy it too.
And a reminder that we are published on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other popular platforms, so you can access it easily from your preferred device. I always welcome your feedback or any ideas you may have for future episodes. You will find each podcast as they are produced in this newsletter, on those platforms, and on our website.
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is being on Wednesday 26 November at 7pm in the Great Hall. Everyone in and connected to our community is warmly invited as we celebrate the joy and meaning of Christmas. We take a collection at this service every year and this year our donation will go to GAPP (Glebe Assistance Partnership Program), an organisation that provides food, support and advocacy to the immediate community of Glebe and the surrounding suburbs. Please remember to bring cash if you would like to contribute to the offertory. I hope to see you there!
Christmas gifts collection
As part of our annual school Christmas service, we ask each student to contribute towards a gift for either a boy or a girl, wrapped in cellophane, to donate to Vinnies’ Community Centre in Redfern. These gifts will be distributed to children that may not otherwise receive anything at Christmas due to poverty or other family issues. There will be a greater demand this year due to the unsettling times that many families face due to financial pressure and housing stresses. The feedback that we get each year is that these gifts make a huge difference to children throughout our city, giving them the message that they are loved and cared for.. We will be receiving those gifts up until Friday 28 November. More information will be delivered to students via their Form or class teachers.
“Mr Lee-Lindsay needs NEW Socks and Undies”
For those new to our community I would like to introduce you to our socks and undies drive. There are a number of welfare organisations that are always asking for NEW socks and undies for their clientele. This is a serious issue amongst the homeless in terms of hygiene and good foot care. It is a whole school activity and we would love to receive a variety of sizes for boys and girls, men and women. There is a basket outside the chapel where all donations can be delivered. I will be taking the items to various locations in the last week of school.
And of course, to all of you, I would like to wish a very joyful Christmas season, a refreshing holiday, and for those leaving SCEGGS, all the best for the journey ahead. For those who aren’t, see you at the gate in 2026!
Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay
School Chaplain
