What Teachers Are Learning About

We began our pupil free day by participating in faith formation.  It was time to reflect on and deepen our understanding of Psalm 1:3.

Firstly, we all spent time reading and engaging with Dadirri.  A beautiful explanation of how Indigenous people feel about country and how it heals them in times of grief and shares their joy in times of happiness. Dadirri is described as “inner deep listening and quiet still awareness.”

Then we read a commentary on the Psalm by Fr Michael Fallon.  He has a wonderful way of making connections to scripture that is very easy to read. I highly recommend him to all staff and often use his commentary with the upper grades.

The biggest take away that I wanted for our staff was that we are all connected, at our most basic level, physically, by water. Faith is what connects our spirits. Water is the communal thread that unites all life. Its current bonds mountain tops to riverbeds, connects cities upstream with communities along the coast, and transports the external world into our bodies. From our nails to our hair, water flows through us; protecting organs, delivering essential nutrients to cells, lubricating joints, and cultivating vital energy. Our health and well-being depend on this fundamental element of nature, just like our fellow humans and all pets, gardens, forests, insects, and other life forms do. Water is defined as an essential nutrient because it is required in amounts that exceed the body's ability to produce it. All biochemical reactions occur in water. It fills the minut spaces in and between cells.

Water literally sustains our body and mind. God sustains our spirit.

God is an essential nutrient too. We yearn to have full hearts. But our human hearts require support to produce it like our bodies need support to produce water.

Finally, we listened to this song. It is a stunning interpretation of stillness.

Please contact me on stephanie.stewart@cg.catholic.edu.au if you would more of the readings on Psalm 1:3

Catholic Life and Reflection

Being still is something I am working on.  As suggested by Miram Unger (see above) we need to learn to wait and appreciate “tiny drops of stillness”. I love this phrase, it really struck a chord with me the first time I read it and continues to. When I walk the dog in the morning, the quietest time of my day, I try to notice what is around me. At the moment, of course, it is the leaves changing. I may even pause for a moment to draw in the beauty of the light in the trees or a leaf falling. 

I am finding those moments to be of great comfort… a tiny drop of stillness to fill my cup. As the season changes and we continue the celebration of the Risen Christ may you find comfort in your tiny drops of stillness.

Matthew 28:6

⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ 

God bless,

Stephanie Stewart
Religious Education Coordinator