As shared in my devotion, I am thankful for the combined efforts of staff and parents on Monday to clean up the school after the storms that hit us on Saturday night. It was a wonderful team effort and I guess the whole school community can be thankful that we were able to reopen the school yesterday. Our grounds and maintenance staff and IT staff have gone above and beyond. Please thank them for their efforts in recent days. 

After speaking to many staff and families over the last day or two, I have heard many stories of trees down, broken fences, leaky roofs and flooding roads. The shops have run out of bread for lunches and sadly many people lost power. Even more sadly some of our staff and families still don't have power…I hope and pray that power is restored quickly for everyone in the Living Faith community.

Thank you to everyone in the Living Faith community for your support over the last week!

In the wake of a severe weather event, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the damage, disruption and uncertainty that follows. Yet, even in difficult times, we can find hope and strength through the practices of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness - the core pillars of the Resilience Project, which we have introduced to Living Faith this year. 

The Resilience Project was created to help people develop emotional resilience and mental well-being through simple, everyday practices. Let’s explore how these three principles can guide us as we rebuild and move forward:

Gratitude

Gratitude encourages us to focus on what we still have, rather than what we’ve lost. After a storm, this might mean appreciating the safety of our loved ones, the kindness of neighbours or even the beauty of nature as it begins to heal. Taking time to reflect on these small blessings - whether through journaling or sharing thankful moments with others - can help shift our mindset from despair to hope.

Empathy

Weather events often bring communities together, highlighting the importance of looking out for one another. Empathy invites us to step into someone else’s shoes, offering compassion and support to those struggling. By lending a helping hand, listening to someone’s story, or simply being present, we strengthen our connections and remind each other that we’re not alone in hard times.

Mindfulness

When life feels chaotic, mindfulness helps anchor us in the present moment. Taking slow, deep breaths, listening to the sounds of nature, or quietly observing our thoughts without judgment can reduce anxiety and foster inner calm. Mindfulness allows us to pause, process our emotions and find peace amidst uncertainty. 

By embracing gratitude, empathy and mindfulness, we can navigate life’s storms with grace and positivity. These practices don’t erase hardship but they give us the tools to face challenges with a resilient spirit and a heart full of hope. And as we come together to reconnect, we can be reminded of the incredible strength that grows when a community lifts one another up.

Let’s carry these values with us, not just in difficult times, but every day - choosing gratitude, showing kindness and finding stillness in the midst of life’s ever-changing weather. 

Peace 

Andrew Kelly 

Principal