From the Chaplain

Worrying About The World We Live In                                            

Since our return to school this year, there have been several conversations that I and others have had with students about current world events that have been unsettling and worrying for a range of reasons. The impact of the pandemic upon young people’s mental health in particular cannot be underestimated. We have seen a slow process of readjustment as we all trying to return to some form of “normal’ while continuing to face a wide range of issues. In the last couple of weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in anxieties as more tragic news has been reported. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the devastating floods hitting the east coast of Australia are just two examples of things concerning some of our students. I received this article from one of our School Counsellors recently which I found helpful in thinking about the way in which we talk to young people about world events and some strategies for managing exposure to such material.

While it can be difficult to discuss these issues, especially when we it is hard to see change or a solution, I think it is important that our children are given the opportunity to talk about these things in a safe and secure environment. I am sure that we all would appreciate that conversation from time to time. If you have concerns for your daughter and would like to talk to me, one of the school counsellors or one of the welfare team please let us know. During our Ash Wednesday Service yesterday, I said a prayer which went something like this:

Lord God

We pray for the people of Ukraine and all of those involved in the current invasion.

We pray for those who have lost homes, possessions, lives and loved ones.

It is hard to understand the chaos that we see and how or why these things happen.

Give those that continue to suffer what they need to get through such a tragedy.

May those that make decisions in government or military have a change of mind and heart,

that a longing for power and destruction be replaced by spirit of peace and restoration.

Likewise we pray for those who have been impacted by the floods in Queensland and New South Wales recently.

We thank you for those who have reached out to help those trapped and left isolated,

give them patience and perseverance as the recovery takes place.

May our governments treat this disaster as a high priority

And give people hope as they get their lives back on track.

This we ask in Jesus’ name

Amen.

Rev. Garry Lee-Lindsay