I spent a fulfilling day at St Michael’s Collegiate School, Hobart. A report: From the Chaplain…

 Bishop’s Day 2011 – Soup and Scones

This week the School Visitor, The Right Reverend John Harrower OAM, Bishop of Tasmania enjoyed his annual Bishop’s Day at Collegiate. The day started with House Chapel at 8.25 am where the senior girls were challenged to live in community together with greater patience. Bishop John then visited a Textiles class, two Art classes, before accompanying me to my first Faith and Life lesson with a new group of Year 7s where, amongst other things, we discussed how we were like and unlike the Moon. The girls soon realised that the ability to even think about and discuss such a seemingly absurd question puts them in a unique and privileged position compared with most things in our universe. From there, questions ranging through what happens when we die, to does life have any inherent meaning or purpose, were posed and considered. Bishop John then had morning tea with the Senior and Middle School Staff where we all enjoyed Dale Norman’s justly famous scones.

Following meetings with the Principal and Chair of the Board it was time for soup with the 2011 Confirmees. John enjoyed the opportunity to meet, encourage and enquire of these girls who will, in October, publically acknowledge their commitment to Christ. After making a guest appearance at Middle/Senior School Assembly John headed up to the Junior School for an afternoon of prayer and stillness with the Preps, story book time with the Kindergarten children, art with the Year 3s and a visit to our Early Learning Centre. More scones and other delicacies rounded off the day with an afternoon tea with the Junior School Staff.

Bishop John enjoyed his day at Collegiate tremendously, talking of how it lifted his spirits and provided a welcome respite from his desk.

Shalom (Peace),

Scott Sargent, School Chaplain

My own thanks to the Principal, Chaplain and all who made my time so meaningful. Also, my thanks to Mrs Chris Jones for giving me a copy of the very lovely children’s book “You are very special” by Su Box, which I was delighted to read to the Preps at Story Time. The story concludes with a life giving surprise.