Greetings,
This week Tony and I were proud parents at the Rowville Primary School Year 6 Graduation. It was a wonderful evening of mixed emotions for many parents and students … the end of something which leads on to the beginning of a new thing. When each child was presented with their certificate, their school photos from Prep and Year 6 were projected. There was such a contrast between the images of the wide-eyed preps and the teenagers who stood before us. When these young ones joined prep there was so much potential to be unlocked in each of them, and this will continue as they move on to high-school.

Like all such events there were speeches – from students, teachers and others. I really liked some of what the principal had to say. Addressing the graduating class she reminded them that they had all achieved something significant throughout their education. They had all grown in confidence and understanding, and she encouraged
them to remember the values of respect, pride, responsibility and perseverance.
She went on to remind them that success is not about how much money they have, what they end up doing, or even how brilliant they are. Rather, they will be successful if they respect and value others for it is this that makes each one of us valuable members of our communities. These words seem a timely reminder for us all.

As we look at the baby in the manger we see the potential there and know that this tiny one made a huge impact on the world. When we look around do we see others the same way … as people beloved and created in the image of God? And as we pause to reflect on the birth of Jesus, may we also reflect on his life … a life which saw him bring healing, welcome the stranger and extend compassion to all. May we recognise in ourselves, the need to treat others with compassion and our responsibility to live the way of Jesus in the place that we find ourselves.
Merry Christmas – Rev Heather.