BAYVIEW Newsletter ISSUE 30 Monday 16 September 2013
www.bayview.vic.edu.au
Lord, be my strength and my song.
L-R Aidan Cancian, Samantha Shepherd, Ella Eade, Emily Hernan, Ms Cathryn Walder, Danika Koenig, Ebony Braune, Brittany Stafford, Ben Cottier, Shae Husson, Dion Annett & Riley Outtram.
From the Principal– Dr Michelle Kearney As we approach the end of Term Three it is timely to reflect on the upcoming holidays. The concept of holidays originated as religious observances. The word holiday comes from Old English hāligdæg,from hālig holy +dæg day, meaning holy day. The intention of a holiday was typically to allow individuals to tend to religious duties associated with important dates on the calendar. To be freed of work in order to tend to the inner spirit. In modern society, however, holidays serve as a recreational function and less so as days of religious observance. Regardless of how we use holidays they are precious periods of time for refreshment and renewal. Within a school year the Term 3 holidays are particularly important. Students, teachers and families have survived the flu season, the short days, and winter sports. And, Term 3 is the only school term without a public holiday to break the momentum. Now it is time for each and every member of the Bayview community to “tend to” their individual spiritual and physical needs in preparation for the challenges of the final term of the 2013 school year. Our Year 12 students go into these holidays with our blessing and encouragement. Whilst some rest and recreation is needed, the students also will need to be increasing their revision and study regime in preparation for the end of year examination period. On behalf of the students and their parents I wish to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the VCE teachers throughout the year. Many of these staff will be available to the students in the holidays for revision classes and they have also provided the students with opportunities to undertake October Tests as practices for the final examinations. By taking advantage of these opportunities, and working methodically and consistently students can enter their final exams prepared and ready to demonstrate their learning. Students in Year 7 – 11 should take this time to “tend to” their goals for the remainder of this year, their personal and their learning goals . Use the holiday period to reflect, review, re-establish and re-energize. We all need to have a mindful retreat, where we have time away from the routine of work and study in order to get a fresh mindset to bring back to everyday life. Ellen Langer, professor of psychology at Harvard University, sees these benefits of holidays as part of being mindful. Mindfulness is a concept derived from Buddhism that's central to meditation in that tradition, and involves being present and observant in a non judgmental way. Langer and other groups have found tremendous benefits in health and wellbeing from being mindful generally. So, my wish for every member of the Bayview community is to take time for being mindful, for nurturing the soul, refreshing the spirit and reviving the body. Come, Holy Spirit, come Let thy bright beams arise, Dispel the darkness from our minds, And open all our eyes. Revive our drooping faith, Our doubts and fears remove,
And kindle in our breasts the flame Of everlasting Love. Amen!