I do hope that many within the Carey community have been able to manage some changes to their routines over the last couple of weeks as we have entered the final term of the year.
I was recently able to attend a three-day parent/caregiver and Year 8 student gathering at Camp Toonallook. We were fortunate to have with us presenters from the Man Cave organisation who spoke with some Year 8s earlier this year. Each day we were privileged to hear from presenters, the thoughts and observations of Carey staff Jacob de Paiva (Head of Middle School Hickman House) and Rhys Adams (Middle School Year 8 Co-ordinator) and the reflections from Outdoor Ed staff, Carey parents and all Year 8 students in attendance. The disappointment for me during the three days was that the only bite I got when fishing was from a mosquito.
One special moment, captured in the image below, was being able to sit in the Toona chapel early on the first morning listening to God’s choir of birds happily singing in the new day. I reflected on the many people living in troubled places who do not get to experience such moments of peace and stillness.
Thank you to the Outdoor Ed and School Wellbeing teams for facilitating this special camp. I hope it will be the first of many camps and gatherings under their combined guidance.
Looking forward to what will be a very exciting term for the School and the many milestones it brings, including this week where we farewell the Year 12s. On behalf of the chaplaincy team and all Carey staff: thank you Class of 2025 for your many and varied contributions over many years, particularly in the area of community service and fundraising for many worthy causes. We all hope the last few days as a student at Carey and the adventures to come post-Carey will continue to give you many opportunities to attempt and expect great things for God and for others.
On a personal note, thank you for all you have done to support and encourage me over the past 14 years together at Carey. In particular, to my son Hamish, who is among the graduating class: watching you grow from an enthusiastic Carey kinder kid through to you now driving me to and from school, truly our family and those who know you are blessed to have you in our lives. May God continue to bless you and all those Year 12s leaving Carey.
May the following prayer help guide those who will be undertaking exams and assessments in Term 4 and those working to support them.
Let us pray.
Loving God, we thank you that our names are written on the palm of your hand, not in the way we write things on our hands so as not to forget.
But because our name is constantly on your mind,
Because you know us by name,
Because you call us by name
Because our name is precious to you.
Loving God, we remember all those who are preparing for exams.
Bring peace to their bodies,
Quieten the beats of their racing hearts,
Allow clarity to reign in their minds.
May they rest and rejoice knowing
You are speaking their name,
You created them and know their inmost being,
You have a plan for their lives.
God of peace surround them,
God of power go before them,
God of love hold and sustain them. Amen.
Based on a prayer written by Rachael Murphy, a church worker within the Church of Ireland.
For anyone wanting to know more about the Toona camp please email me or drop by my office.
Rev. Scott Bramley
Middle School Chaplain
