Once a year, I attend Bishop’s Day at each of the Anglican Schools in Tasmania.  My role to the schools is one of Visitor and part of this role is to support the schools in maintaining their rich Christian and specifically Anglican heritage, ethos and values.

On Ash Wednesday I visited St Michael’s Collegiate School in Hobart where I visited classes in the ELC, Junior, Middle and Senior schools. I also watched a trailer of the Paddington movie and spoke at the Middle and Senior School Chapel service about life being a gift to be either treasured or trashed. I ended my day by meeting with the Principals and Chairs of the three Anglican Schools.

As many of you would know, I love visiting the schools, seeing the children in action and witnessing them being nurtured intellectually, emotionally physically and spiritually.  It was encouraging, inspiring and great fun!

I have to share two comments made to me on the day which made me smile……

“Are you his Father?”, one Kindergarten student asked me, whilst pointing at the Chaplain (a fine man 20 years my junior!).

Then at the Senior School, a staff member congratulated me on the “great news about my daughter”.  But it was not my daughter, it was the Dean of Hobart’s daughter who graduated last year from the School scoring in the top 100 students!  I must say, I was very flattered to be associated with such high intelligence! Now when I look at the beardless Dean, I do wonder at where our similarity lies! 🙂

What an honour to be associated with these two fine fellas! Lots of laughter.

My thanks and congratulations to Collegiate and in particular the new Principal Judith Tudball on their outstanding school.