Newsletter 7: 19 May 2020
Dear Colleagues,
Kindness, it’s contagious!
Early in the first month of the current pandemic appearing in this country, Prime Minister Morrison urged Australians to be kind to one another. The statement seemed remarkable from a Prime Minister, and entirely appropriate. As we navigate the impacts of COVID-19, take pride in our collective efficacy in minimising infections through adherence to the various prescribed measures, and make the necessary careful adjustments to new ways of working and living whilst the virus remains active, the need to be kind to one another is growing rather than diminishing.
In difficult times great leaders come to the fore, at all levels of society. This has certainly been the case in our Marist schools, among staff, parents and students. The demands upon parents and students these past months have been extraordinary and rightly teachers and Principals across the country are being hailed as unassuming, national heroes. The speed and agility with which our school communities have responded to the crisis and the many changes it has necessitated is remarkable. Most impressive has been the strategic, purposeful evaluation by teachers of the various off-site learning arrangements and the manner in which new insights are influencing learning and teaching as students return to school. Reports of greater engagement particularly by boys in the coeducational settings have been common, whilst students of a quieter disposition have also featured prominently in positive feedback. Most overwhelming from our schools across the country, is the demonstrable sheer delight of our young people to be together again, learning at school.
The unexpected break from normal school attendance has certainly reminded all Australians of the compelling beauty, wonder, and importance of education. Inspired by the faith filled life and work of Saint Marcellin, we Marists understand and appreciate the precious gift of education. For students in our Marist schools, 2020 will always be remembered as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. More importantly it will be remembered by them for the spirit of kindness in which Marist educators taught and cared for them.
Last week the Australian Bishops met together and in the midst of this crisis have written a message to the Catholic people of Australia, titled “A word of encouragement”¹ . Highlighted from their message is the following invitation to prayer, with and through Mary.
At the heart of the community of disciples, there is always Mary the mother of Jesus (cf Acts 1:14). In this month of May, Pope Francis has urged us to look to her to intercede for us in this time of affliction; and to Mary we will entrust our homeland later this month, looking to a mother’s unfailing love. May she who is Health of the Sick and Help of Christians pray for us now, that we may see Jesus with her eyes, the eyes of Easter, and love him with her heart, which is the heart of faith: “O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not our petitions but in your mercy hear and answer us”.
One important service which people of faith provide to the wider community in this time is an unceasing prayer of intercession. So we ask you all to continue praying in the power of faith for those who have died, who are sick or at risk from COVID-19, for our healthcare professionals, essential service providers and researchers, for all who are isolated and anxious, and for our civic leaders and health authorities.
May our school communities take up the invitation to pray together at this time, by Entrusting Australia to Mary Help of Christians.²
2. https://ncec.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/141/entrustment_prayer_card.pdf