Welcome to a new school year!
It has been yet another interesting start to the year, but I hope you’ve had the chance to relax, connect with loved ones, and recharge over the break. I’m looking forward to all that’s ahead as we support our young people and their families in whatever this year holds.
The Government directives released in late 2021 announced only double-vaxxed workers can enter school grounds and youth detention centres – and this news has meant many of you have experienced loss of teachers, and possibly chaplains, in your community. Please know that SU remains committed to supporting your school so your community can thrive in 2022.
Over the holiday break, I spent time reflecting on unity and what this means, particularly in times as challenging as these. I’m sure you’d be familiar with this old African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
This is what chaplaincy is all about – ‘going together.’ It’s about working as a team, and knowing that everyone has a different part to play. Your local chaplaincy service is simply not possible without the support of our principals and deputy principals, our local school staff, our churches and community organisations, local donors, LCC volunteers, P&Cs among so many others.
Each of you play a critical role in providing our communities with a safe place that allows our children to grow, learn and thrive, at a time where our society has never needed it more.
Thank you for your partnership. The sacrifice and effort you make to keep this support does not go unnoticed, and I am so grateful for you.
All the best for the year ahead,
Peter James
CEO SU Australia