PAPAL COMMENT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION IN SOCIETY

Teaching and education are the primary means of promoting integral human development; and they are essential for the promotion of peace. In a word, teaching and education are the foundations of a cohesive civil society". Pope Francis [p.10 Social Justice Statement, 2024]

But do we really want to live in a ‘cohesive civil society’? And what does that mean for you? It would be lovely to not need to have security cameras and dash cams but it is sadly not the case.

Sadly, we see social division like never before, more people relying on violence as a way of sorting out differences, a spike in domestic violence and an ongoing wave of illicit drugs and vaping. How can a society like that be cohesive and more importantly – how can it be peaceful.

The effects of social media and so called ‘influencers’ have created a toxic masculinity issue in your men across the world.

At St John’s we strive to create a peaceful environment for all and take this responsibility very seriously. Our school prayer is the Peace Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. We work hard to ensure that Catholic Social values are known, and lived, by the students.

With families we will continue to work together to make a better society for all.

DO WE NOTICE?

A few weeks ago I went out for a meal at a Lebanese restaurant with some friends and their wives. As happens at these places the dancing commenced after a wonderful meal and I naturally stood back (have you seen me dance!)

On our table another girl was also watching the dancing and cheering others on as they danced and I went over to say hello. She was a relatively short lady and so happy for the happiness of those dancing. We had a chat and I realised that I knew her parents and she was so pleased to be at the event.

As we talked she revealed her disability about her capacity to move freely and her love of others being able to dance. Her joy in watching others enjoy themselves was truly uplifting. After a time she had other friends come over and I moved off. As I said to her how much I enjoyed our chat she said to me – ‘thank you for noticing me, most people don’t’. 

Most people don’t - I was a bit stunned and taken aback and the reason it comes back to me now is that it reminded me of the Covid lockdown where I read of the isolation that so many Australians were feeling in the lockdown period. Unable to visit sick relatives in hospital or homes. Unable to cross into GLA’s of concern and visit family (like me). A forced separation of loved ones, sometimes overseas and unable to come ‘home’.

But Covid is over, and I still feel a sense that many are still in lockdown mode, making choices to remain insular or singular.

I ask that we all look to our neighbour, friends, classmates or whomever that may be in a position of loneliness. YOU can make a huge difference to someone by reaching out to them, offering a conversation, or a smile, or a chance to be listened to. Make it a goal that before the end of this Term there is a someone that has been uplifted because of your actions. They are worth it, but more importantly – YOU ARE WORTH IT.