What a wonderful term we have all had thanks in part to the centenary celebrations that have been held to date. Some personal highlights have been the Commencement Service on Sandell Oval and the launch of Torchbearers: a Centenary History of Carey Baptist Grammar School by Helen Penrose. Reading the publication gave great insights to the efforts of so many who have gone before us.
Throughout the term in both Middle School Chapels and Assemblies we have focussed on the school theme for 2023 of Communication. A special note of thanks to school musicians, Bettina Lean, Christine Luo and Vivien Lee. We’ve had an opportunity to discuss what it means to understand how to express ourselves confidently and in a variety of ways, including weekly reflections on some of the shared meaning contained in the artwork of Rev. Uncle Glenn Loughrey titled ‘Treaty’ (pictured below). Uncle Glenn is a Wiradjuri man from New South Wales, Associate Professor at the Australian National University and Senior Minister at Saint Oswald’s Anglican Church, Glen Iris. In the last week of term, Uncle Glenn spoke to students and staff at the annual Middle School Easter Service.
Another key highlight was the efforts and generosity of staff and students in raising over $3000 dollars for Baptist World Aid to assist earthquake victims in Turkiye and Syria which, together with other donations, helped provide around 7000 families with emergency food baskets, blankets, winter clothing and hygiene kits containing items such as soap, tissues, dishwashing liquid and laundry detergent.
The latest stand out moment this term was walking around the school grounds with Helen Wolff, our school archivist, at the Centenary Fair and listening to some of the research she has undertaken with members of the Carey Heritage Committee. It was great to hear from past students as they spoke about their school-day memories involving everything from being seated in an unheated Raymond Hall for Junior School Assemblies through to how Middle and Senior students entertained themselves in class in times past!
Watching the efforts of Sally Nelson and Meredith Plaisted manage a team of student volunteers at the fair raising funds for a variety of causes for those living in troubled places served as another reminder of just what our school founders had hoped for in starting the school. They would be pleased with what was seen at the fair. Finally, listening to my own children and other current and former students and parents talking throughout the afternoon about riding the Hurricane and driving Dodgem Cars in the Junior School turning circle will be a memory they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Looking ahead to next term can I encourage members of the Carey community to involve themselves in the Boroondara Hope Project where we are asked to purchase non-perishable tinned food items to help those who need assistance this winter. If you would like more information, please contact the Head of CARE Julia Teo. Also, at our annual Anzac Day service on Wednesday 3 May, Carey will be honouring Donald Deakin Williamson, one of the 40 fallen Carey alumni who served in WWII. Lest we Forget.
Finally, whatever form your Easter celebrations take in the coming days, may the following prayer help guide us in our decision-making.
Let us pray.
Merciful God, in this the season of Lent as we prepare to reflect on the message that your son was raised from the dead, fill our hearts with the grace of your Holy Spirit. May our interactions be shaped by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
May the Easter story remind us anew to place our trust in you and find your grace when we need to be patient; may the empty tomb remind us that your justice and love prevail and are what matters. May the Easter story keep us humble and may your Son’s words and deeds inspire us to help others.
Amen.
(Based on the thoughts of Saint Anselm, 1033–1109 AD)
If the Chaplaincy team (Gerry Riviere – Whole/Senior School and Rebecca Gaskell – Junior School) and myself can be of any assistance over the holiday break, please do not hesitate to contact the School or email us directly.
Rev. Scott Bramley
Middle School Chaplain
