What Are You Thankful For?

The 2019 school year is quickly coming to an end and it’s a great time to reflect back over the year and think about the things we are thankful for.

We asked some of our staff to share what they are thankful for.

As the school year concludes, I find myself reflecting on the blessing that it is to be a part of the Santa Maria College community. I am so grateful that I work in a beautiful environment, alongside staff who are passionate about teaching, and with students who are committed to their learning journey. I am also thankful for the opportunity I have had this year to contribute to the professional learning of staff. The College is blessed to have staff who embrace the variety of professional learning programs on offer which encourage quality teaching and learning alongside faithfulness to our Mercy tradition.

Michelle Carrick, Head of Professional Learning

Carrick, Michelle
Leslie, Anne

This year I’m truly grateful for the many kindnesses shown to me during the six months I was unable to drive due to a health issue. Having rides or offers of rides to and from work or the bus stop was such a blessing through the winter months. The generosity of colleagues, family and friends is something I’ll remember always. Although we are blessed to have a reliable system of public transport, I’m now so grateful for the freedom and independence being able to drive provides.

Anne Leslie, College Receptionist

This year I am thankful for crazy ideas! I convinced my husband that rather than putting my elderly parents into residential care we should buy a big house and move them in with us. I went house hunting in March and on that very first day, the second house I looked at was perfect. I knew it was meant to be. It was big enough that we wouldn’t get in each other’s way, all one level and in a beautiful, leafy suburb near the ocean. Now I know my parents are safe and well I feel at ease, especially with some of the stories about aged care facilities that are emerging from the Royal Commission. I am thankful that we all get along and that my crazy idea has worked out. 

Clare O’Connor, Head of Religious Education 

O'Connor, Clare
Thomas, Patrick

Community – it takes a tribe.
I can honestly say that I am so very thankful for the family community around me. In recent months I have witnessed some family members go through some joyful and trying times that have both required their community to join forces and support them.

Understandably, having a newborn is both joyful and trying and when my brother and his wife welcomed their little one into the world, we all celebrated. But when you consider that mum is recovering from a c-section and then dad had to have emergency surgery for appendicitis two weeks later, that can put stress on a small family. Especially a family with a 3-year-old toddler, who has a new sister and mum and dad can’t pick him up! Watching a community come together and support them with things like cooking, babysitting, carpooling, nappy runs, or even buying bread and milk – that’s a strong and good tribe. It’s the tiny needle-like mundane things of life that can stack up and break the camel’s back. I’m truly thankful for my tribe, knowing that we are there for each other through it all.  

Patrick Thomas, Teacher of Digital Technologies, Media & HASS

What A Term! So Many Opportunities – Jennifer Oaten

As I look back on the past nine weeks, I am so grateful for who we are as a community and what we have achieved. Through the dedication of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students, we have established new connections, immersed ourselves in opportunities and worked through challenges.

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