Dear Parents and Carers

I reflected recently about three significant events in the world that have occupied us; the war in Israel, the war in Ukraine, and the Referendum on the Voice in Australia.

It is very easy to feel that there are two sides to each of these stories. The first is our view, and the other view is the wrong view.

We also know that this two-sided approach to thorny problems does not serve us well in moving to a resolution. It is usually the case that there are at least two sides, and usually very many more sides to any big question.

For me, the key learning from these events is that we need to learn (or relearn) the discipline of discussion, to consider these sides or perspectives. You will have heard that we have two ears and two eyes, and one mouth, and these should be used in that proportion. We need to listen, and observe, and then reflect, and then form a view which we share respectfully.

In our school, the students learn from an early age about how to navigate this process. Class discussions, Holy Huddles, Reflections and Christian Studies lessons are often about considering questions, concepts and situations for which our preconceived opinions can be shared. Next, we share and synthesise new views and opinions. It is at least as important in these situations to have the wisdom and courage to change our perspective, and to consider the problem though a different lens.

As well as discussing these questions at school, it is important to discuss them at home. But like a maths problem you need to show your working! We need to discuss situations with our children, but we also need to explain why we arrived at our point of view. We also need to recognise that they may arrive at a different conclusion. This respectful and considerate approach will enable our children, our students, to take their place in the world being able to listen, to see, and then to speak with kindness and compassion.

Blessings
Reverend Canon James
School Chaplain