As the Chaplain sees it

Father Braden Short College Chaplain

THERE is much that makes me proud of our College.

ALL Saints' students earned our respect again in 2008, being superb ambassadors for their generation and humbling me with their ability to teach, by example. If I had to choose one event to highlight what makes me proud, it would be the way our students cared for each other at the funeral service held in our Performing Arts Centre recently. Many in our community were deeply touched by this tragedy.

The feelings of helplessness and grief can paralyse. Yet, out of pain came the gifts of compassion and care, which continue to be a hallmark of who we are as members of the All Saints' College community. Many adults could have learned (some of us did) from that event.

Students did not avoid the pain, they gave their own time, were thoughtful, respectful, and sacrificed their Saturday to help in invisible but vital ways, enabling the smooth management of the funeral and supporting each other. They acted as gracious hosts, and behaved in a way that left me wondering how young people were so often misjudged.

A report in The Australian quotes a study that purports to have discovered the average Australian father spends as little as one minute a day with his children. If the study has any validity, then the question needs to be asked; what value do we place on our young people, our relationship with them, their education, their sense of self and worth? If we spend one minute a daywith our children, how do we impart wisdom, compassion, a balanced world view and above all else, love?

In a world that continues to change rapidly, the importance of both a good education and a firm foundation based on feeling loved, valued, accepted and needed is paramount.

As we look to 2009, let us continue to work together so that our young people might be best prepared for tomorrow. God gives the will and the power to achieve, but we are the conduit God uses to provide the motivation and encouragement.

The Lord be with you during this Holy Season, enjoy the company of your children, teach them and learn from them and above all, let us thank God for the gift of their presence in our lives. Amen.