Principal's Reflection

Dear Families,

Lent commenced with Ash Wednesday last Wednesday. Lent is a season lasting 40 days (not counting Sundays), leading up to Easter and the resurrection of Jesus. It’s a time for reflection, repentance, alms giving and spiritual renewal. As we begin the season of Lent, it is an opportune time to reflect, especially as we are still in the early stages of 2025. As part of our reflections, it is vital that we are also thinking about how we can help those in need. This relates to the theme of alms giving. We speak quite regularly to our students about the values we have at SBW- care, curiosity, courage and connection. We share a common connection with over 7 billion other people- our earth. It is our role to care for the environment but also those around us. In Australia, we are incredibly fortunate to live in a country where most of us have access to a stable food supply, housing, education and clean water. Almsgiving, in particular, during Lent allows us to give to those in need. It may be through food or clothing donations or a monetary amount, but giving to those in need is a key part of our Catholic faith and links strongly to the values we have here at St Brigid's Wynyard. Our staff consistently speak to our students as to how they can help those in need. I do encourage you all to please continue these conversations at home.

I will leave you with a paragraph from Pope Francis' message for Lent.

This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs. Let us ask ourselves in the presence of the Lord whether, as bishops, priests, consecrated persons and laity in the service of the Kingdom of God, we cooperate with others. Whether we show ourselves welcoming, with concrete gestures, to those both near and far. Whether we make others feel a part of the community or keep them at a distance. This, then, is a second call to conversion: a summons to synodality.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Nic Saltmarsh

Principal