An uplifting send-off
For nearly a decade, Helensburgh Men’s Shed has been carving small timber crosses for the Holy Cross School Year 6 children to hold as a memory of their time at this lovely place of learning
What do trees, family, school, and symbiosis have in common? I found the answer at Holy Cross Parish Church during the Thanksgiving Mass.
For nearly a decade, your Men’s Shed has been carving small timber crosses for the Holy Cross School Year 6 children to hold as a memory of their time at this lovely place of learning, where hope, compassion, integrity, and justice lay a firm foundation as they graduate to high school.
The kids were moving on, from a small school established in 1900 by Australia’s first Saint, Mother Mary MacKillop, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Father Paul Clark’s mass was uplifting, with the school choir raising our spirits, particularly with their beautiful Latin rendition of Salve Regina.
And what did the spirit of year 6 look like? Teacher Christopher Whitehall put it well in his farewell speech: the spirit of the kids was energetic, caring, compassionate, and competitive. Student Owen, a recent arrival from Wales (welcome, mate), was so happy at how he was welcomed. Kai was encouraged by the connections he made, and Emma, who won the MacKillop School Community Award, loved to help others.
Being at the church, with views of wooden crosses and living trees out the window, I saw how the school kids, staff and parents were one great family, having developed this wonderful symbiosis for mutual benefit. So, fitting, then, that the kids spent their afternoon at the water park at Symbio. Got to work off those cupcakes somehow!
Your Men’s Shed is so happy to play a part in this story.
John sanding a cross that will become a keepsake for students. Photos: Paul Blanksby
