Dear McAuley Families

I often believe that our communities and our college are at their best in times of sadness and grief.  This week we offer prayers to a Year 10 student and her family on the loss of their father and husband.

For all of us death brings emotions and questions that may surprise us. To be able to answer the questions of our children is hard, balancing honesty with empathy. For all of us it is hard to know the “right” words to say.

“Be You”  (https://beyou.edu.au/) have some excellent resources to help us answer questions and frame responses.  At all times we need to try to be empathetic, as honest as we can and encourage seeking expert help if you need it. It’s a great thing to do something practical to help. It’s also really helpful to get moving and boost our endorphins whilst avoiding social media with it’s often poor and incorrect advice.

Most important is to get back to “normal”. Without in any way minimising loss the routines of school and life can bring comfort. Highlighting the good parts of the day and bringing back “sameness” can assist us all with moving on.

As a Catholic College we are sustained by prayer.  There is a great strength to be gained in praying for other people, in recognizing their own loss and grief. In many cases these occasions remind us of a time of loss or grief and can make things very raw again.  Take care, rely on others and know that you have practical support and care always.

Let’s remember the practical lines of our College prayer in saying… “Please help all of us at McAuley to show care and concern for one another.”

This week I spent attending HSC analysis in Canberra and Principals Retreat and System Day in Bowral. This is an excellent time to join with Principals from the Archdiocese and share our common joys and frustrations.  It was also very enjoyable to be able to meet the new Executive Director David De Cavahlo and promote to him the outstanding work that is happening in our College in Tumut NSW.

Please take good care of one another.

Mary our mother look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal