Lest We Forget

Early Sunday morning, I stood alongside hundreds of others, beside "The Semaphore Angel" (The Semaphore War Memorial Clock Tower) at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and reflected upon the great service and sacrifice made by so many in a horrific time of war. I listened to the descriptions of soldiers, some who never made it back home, some who made it home but lived in turmoil for what they had witnessed and experienced, men who were remembered for their utmost courage and dedication to their family and country. Honouring those that have served our country, past and present, is incredibly important to me, and coming together as a community to pause and reflect is just one way, one tradition to act upon this. Many courageously fought for their country and their family in these wars, to build a better world. A world of freedom, of peace and of love.

As I walked away along the beach at the conclusion of this particular dawn service, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude: Gratitude for the country we live in and the many blessings that God has poured upon my life over the years and a grateful heart for the people in my life and the ability we have to serve others. Expressing gratitude can often have a flow on effect. Displaying genuine gratitude can often inspire others to do the same. This can be said for acts of service as well. We may not be sent overseas to fight for our country in a war, but we can find many ways in our local community, in our family and in our school in which we can serve others. Like these soldiers, we can also be courageous in building a better world: a world where love and peace reign, where caring for others and building one another up and serving one another becomes our default reaction.

Service is one of our RISE values at Prescott Primary Northern, a core value in which we believe can make a significant difference in the world around us. As we embark on a new term together, let's be encouraged by the service and dedication shown by those that have gone before us and be grateful for the new opportunities we will have to serve those around us.

May we live, speak and act upon the value of service and always remember: Jesus is the ultimate example of SERVICE to others. The King of the universe took human form and lived a life of selfless service and compassion. At Prescott Primary Northern, we endeavour to treat each other, our families and our community with compassion, through acts of SERVICE. 

Have a wonderful first week of term. Lest We Forget.

Blessings,

Tamara