Principal's Post

We are safe.

Three words we all yearn to hear. Once heard there is usually silence. A gentle pause to create a space. 

A pause then broken by a broken story. 

Our hearts are with you - those impacted by the recent fires. Those that have lost their houses, pets, belongings, stock, machinery, hay, livelihoods. Those who evacuated; unsure, yet with a plan. Those who fought and continue to fight the fires - fighting an unruly and unpredictable opponent - fighting for others.

I listen to podcasts. Usually ones that involve a rambling dialogue between a host and a guest of interest. There is always something to learn when listening to someone’s story. Recently, I listened to Nick Cave on a podcast. An Australian artist, musician, author and poet known for exploring the depths of death, grief, macabre elements of our life.  

He said, “Joy feels like it is something deeply rooted in suffering that kind of leaps spasmodically …. and moves you outside your grief… towards the whispers of something else.” 

Already, such whispers are seen in shoots of new life emerging amongst a blackened memory. 

We are safe.

When you are ready, we are ready to listen and walk together strengthening a once broken story.  A story born from communal suffering, challenged by fierce action that fostered an invitation to moments of joy. 

Send photos of these new shoots to me: 

joseph.mount@fcjbenalla.catholic.edu.au

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