It has been humbling to see the immediate and generous response by the school community for the Flood Appeal. School family, Michael and Melissa Edwards, donated the use of one of their Lite Moves Furniture Removals trucks and their own personal muscle power to help move mountains of BDC donations to the Anglicare North Coast warehouse in Grafton. On a very hot day, our Year 8 student volunteers gathered, lifted and moved these donations, where they will be sorted and dispersed across the northern rivers regions of NSW. Michael’s reflection was that this activity reflected the values and spirit of our school.

The values of our school are based on love

We are reminded in the Scriptures that God is love. Love is seen in acts of service when the community is in need. Love is seen in a celebration that everyone belongs on Harmony Day. Love is seen when we gather for our Easter Communion Service each year, remembering Jesus’ story of sacrifice, grief, new beginnings and resurrection. 

My prayer is that we all might be able to support our local communities as buildings dry out and lives are rebuilt. The Christian narrative reminds us that there are always new beginnings beyond times of devastation. May the end of term bring some time for rest and love for all our BDC families. St John’s Coffs Harbour Anglican Church, and indeed all the Anglican churches of our region, welcome visitors to their Easter Services: https://www.coffsharbouranglicanchurch.org/ 

Rev Naomi Cooke

Baptism and Confirmation Invitation Please make contact with the Chaplains if you would like to find out more about confirmation or baptism for your child.

Primary Chapel services take place fortnightly in the last period on Thursdays (Day 9 in the timetable) in the Branson Centre. This alternates with Primary Assembly. Parents are very welcome to join our Chapel.

Special Dates this term:

Last day of Term 1 Friday 8th April: Whole School Easter Communion Service. 

Chaplaincy Team:

Rev Naomi Cooke ncooke@bdc.nsw.edu.au

Rev Nic Hagon nhagon@bdc.nsw.edu.au 

The Conflict in Ukraine

Around the world, people are saddened and devastated by the events unfolding in Ukraine. Both adults and young people alike are feeling the stresses of war from afar as they experience fear, frustration and helplessness. The 24 hour news cycle has shown us upsetting images raising many questions, especially for our young people, about what is happening.

Parents and caregivers need to be guided by their child’s curiosity. There is strong evidence to suggest that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event in a developmentally appropriate way, can actually decrease distress. It’s best to “name it, to tame it.” This will also combat any misinformation to which they have most likely already been exposed to through social media, pictures or video clips.

Children need to know that they are being taken seriously. So it is recommended that you don’t avoid the difficult questions. Ensure you address their questions honestly and sensitively. With less life experience than adults, young people may need help navigating news about this crisis. Use this is as an opportunity to model and encourage compassionate views towards fellow humans, regardless of distance or circumstance.

This Special Report offers guidance on how best to discuss the conflict in Ukraine. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://bdc.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-conflict-ukraine-au

Flood Support & Recovery

Being exposed to a natural disaster, either directly through lived experience or indirectly through the media, stirs up various feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety and frustration. Communities and families around Australia have been touched by the recent floods in NSW and Queensland with many still coming to terms with what has happened. While others are rallying together to provide much needed moral and financial support.

As the clean-up continues, families are faced with the real presence of the disaster. Dealing with their emotions and providing support to their children and teenagers. How well young people cope, or manage any trauma, will depend on specific risk factors in existence before, during and after the event. It is vital to talk and listen to them to help them process their feelings.

Parents and caregivers need to remain vigilant in monitoring their children during this time and check in with them regularly. They may be distressed by images they have seen either physically or through social media and news reports. Young people may exhibit or experience a wide range of emotional reactions and it is therefore important to reassure them that what they are feeling is considered normal.

This Special Report offers a number of strategies to help support families during this time of recovery. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report https://bdc.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-flood-support-recovery