The Chaplain’s Corner

STEVE WRIGHT, COLLEGE CHAPLAIN

In our Philosophy & Religious Education class, occasionally I will have students complete a brief ‘gratitude journaling’ task. It is an exercise that requires spending a few moments reflecting on the things in their life that they are thankful for. We started doing this in between lockdowns and periods of remote learning and have continued with it as a regular exercise this year.

There is a clear connection between gratitude and wellbeing and with disruption, uncertainty, frustration and disappointment all very familiar to us over the last few years, the need to remind ourselves of life’s many blessings has become increasingly important. This year, as restrictions have eased and much-loved aspects of life have returned, I hope that the lessons learned about gratitude and perspective are not lost on us. Instead, I hope that they provide a lens to reengage with some aspects of life at College that we greatly value. Looking beyond our own needs to where we might help or serve others are values we hope are interwoven into the daily life of our students. Across our school this year, it has been greatly encouraging to see the willingness of our students to ‘serve’ - through the initiating and implementing of a wide variety of service activities.

Whether that is a fundraiser for a community group, or charity they are passionate about, raising awareness for a worthy cause, making sandwiches for those who are disadvantaged or hands-on practical work at a local Food Bank.

As these opportunities have reopened, our students are re-engaging and serving with such positivity. It is easy to see from their feedback that they are finding great joy and a sense of purpose in doing so. One activity that has been richly rewarding for all involved has been taking small groups of students fortnightly to BUPA Aged Care in Belmont.

Our students provide some entertainment with musical items, but most of their time is spent simply chatting with the residents; sharing stories and hearing about each other’s lives.

The BUPA staff tell us that our visits brighten up the afternoon for their residents, and our students leave with smiles on their faces. Both groups looking forward to the next visit. At a wider College level, our students have recently finished preparing our Uniting Care Christmas hampers. The goods are donated by College familes, and the completed hampers are collected and distributed directly to local families in need. It’s a simple, but practical way we can serve those who are disadvantaged in our community. As we approach this special season where we celebrate the birth of the one who came ‘not to be served, but to serve’ (Matthew 20:28) we have much to be thankful for.