It was with deep regret that we learnt of the tragic car accident involving the Dirou family in Egypt just before the New Year. The family has been in our thoughts this week and we continue to work through our sadness as a community. Our Year one and Year two students have already been writing letters, drawing pictures, talking about how much their departed classmates contributed to class and how well liked and generous they were.
As a community we have been at our best: caring, compassionate and supportive of each other. There is no timeline on grief and the grieving process, but there is a well defined path. Some move along the path quickly, others more slowly. None of us will ever forget this, but we will all come to terms with it. We need to keep checking in with ourselves and with others, not to provide any answers or reasons, rather to listen and support.
This sad news is also a reminder to us all, on a number of levels. One is our personal and family safety when in a car: always use seat belts, drive carefully and defensively. Another reminder is to enjoy living our lives and appreciate what we have, here and now. None of us know what is around the corner.
In spite of this I hope that on balance you had a good holiday: we have lots to look forward to and enjoy this semester, so let’s get started!
Mr. Peter Round
School Principal