Embedded Files
Inspiring Minds, Hearts and Spirits
Principal's Report
Principal's Report
MR STEPHEN DWYER | May, 2024
Dear Parents, Carers and Friends of our College community,
A warm welcome to our first newsletter for term 2. I hope that all students and their families had a restful and enjoyable holiday break with family and friends.
The first three weeks of term 2 have seen the students actively engaged in a wide variety of learning experiences, and co-curricular, cultural and sporting activities. Some of these activities include the Year 9 Personal Development Day led by Mr Michael Fizpatrick, the Year 11 Immersion to Western Sydney where the students connected with and immersed themselves in various Marist support services in Western Sydney, the athletics carnival where great house spirit and competition was clearly evident, the Careers Day for our senior students to engage with post-school university and career providers, the Year 8 Excursion to the Dubbo Zoo and visits by Year 6 students who would like to attend the College in 2025, just to name a few. Life at the College is very active and the students are able to engage in a wide variety of meaningful learning experiences.
In Term 2 we visit our regional boarding communities where we connect with students in Catholic Primary schools and gather in the evenings with parents and ex-students. It has been great to catch up with families so far from Young, Warren, Brewarrinna and Bourke. We look forward to visiting more communities this term as we engage as partners in learning with your children.
I wish you all well for the term ahead.
May St Marcellin Champagant and Mary our Good Mother continue to watch over our community.
ANZAC Day
On the first day of term 2 we gathered together as a whole school community to commemorate ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day honours the sacrifices and bravery of those who fought in various conflicts and serves as a reminder of the impact of war on individuals, families, and communities, and the value we hold for peace and unity.
At the Forbes ANZAC Day ceremony, Year 12 student Sienna O’Connell presented the ANZAC address. Siena is to be congratulated for presenting a considered and thoughtful reflection that was very well received. You can read Sienna’s address further below in this newsletter. I want to also thank all the students and staff who were able to attend ANZAC Day services in their local communities on ANZAC day. We are all very proud of them.
- Stephen Dwyer
Mother's Day Celebrations
On May 13 we celebrated Mother's Day at the College, with well over 250 mums, grandmothers and motherly figures joining us. The morning began with a social gathering and cup of tea where mothers and their children were able to socialise with other families.
Our students then led a beautiful liturgy in our Multipurpose Hall. I thank parent Mrs Carmen Quade for sharing an inspirational reflection on being a mother. Please see below in this newsletter the reflection of Mrs Carmen Quade. On behalf of our College, I would like to say a huge thanks to all ‘mums’ and significant women in the College community who provide so much love, compassion and modelling to our students.
- Stephen Dwyer
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
Deputy Principal | Mr Simon Martino
It has been a positive start to Term 2 with students returning to Red Bend ready to learn and engage in the classroom. I wish to remind parents of our obligations to work together on school attendance to enhance learning outcomes for our students. Information below outlines the impact of missing school and the strategies we can put in place to collaborate with families on improving attendance.
Attendance
As we conclude Term 1, I would like to share some information regarding student attendance with our community. Under the NSW Education Act 1990, all schools are required to monitor attendance and intervene to support improved attendance for students at educational risk. Likewise, all parents are required to make their best efforts to ensure their children attend school. A basic benchmark is 90% attendance; anything below 90% attendance places a child at risk regarding education outcomes and maximising social connection.
The outcomes of school non-attendance include:
negative impacts on students’ academic achievement in the current year which can also impact subsequent years.
increased social isolation for the student.
a greater negative impact on young people’s outcomes when it is an unauthorised absence.
a correlation with leaving school with fewer qualifications and reduced pathways options.
We know there are many reasons for non-attendance at school ranging from personal, medical, family, education, relationship and community factors. This makes school attendance and ongoing attendance rates a complex task in some households. Our goal is to promote strong school attendance and the importance of attending daily. We will work in partnership with families when low attendance occurs. Our focus foremost is on prevention of educational risk due to low attendance, and we ask all parents to maintain the message with students that every day of attendance matters.
The College monitors attendance on a variety of levels with the understanding that attendance below 90% places a student at educational risk and we are obligated to act. We work in partnership with families to ensure appropriate attendance.
We want to support our students to be at school every day. Here are a few points to consider what families can do and what the school can do to see our students at school.
How can you help?
Plan holidays and family events for non-school days.
Try to schedule appointments for the end of the school day
Make sure your child attends school every day unless they are ill.
Ensure your child has a good routine before school, including sleep practices.
How can we help?
Teachers show a genuine interest in your child’s wellbeing and future success by building positive relationships.
House Coordinators monitor and support students in their academic and wellbeing needs.
College Counsellors are available to support any mental health concerns your child may be facing.
In Term 2, our House Coordinators will be communicating with families where we have an attendance concern. Please contact your House Coordinator if you would like to discuss.
Reporting an absence and applying for leave
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
Director of Students | Mr Adam Currey
It has been a great start to the term. Congratulations goes to Basil for winning the House Athletics Carnival, but to all involved on the day as well. The weather held off long enough and it was a fantastic day to be a part of.
Pulse - Student Wellbeing
Every week all students are emailed a link to answer 5 quick questions focussing on 6 domains of wellbeing. These are valued and safe, healthy, material basics, learning, participating and positive sense of identity. The data we draw from our students in completing these tasks gives us great insight into how our school as a cohort, house, year group and individually are travelling and allows us to tailor wellbeing programs to suit. Students are also asked one question on how they are feeling at that time, from here students can seek help through their Pastoral Care teacher, House Coordinator or Counsellors.
Student Drivers
Students driving to school are to be on site with keys handed into the front office by 8.45am and are able to collect their keys from 3.40pm. Passengers with students are to have permission signed by both the parent of the driver and the parent of the student. These forms are available from the SSO. Student drivers will have the driving privileges revoked if they are unable to meet the requirements.
Student Handbooks
Please check your child’s handbook throughout the week. Here will detail what homework they have as well as merits and demerits. If you have any questions please touch base with the specific teacher or House Coordinator.
Many thanks,
Mr Currey
Director of Learning, Teaching and Compliance | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
Director of Learning, Teaching and Compliance | Mrs Deborah Wheeldon
Half Yearly exams for students in Years 7 - 10 begin in Week 5 and continue through to the end of Week 6. Students are reminded to bring all their equipment e.g. pens, pencils, eraser, calculator, etc in a plastic sleeve for each exam.
All students have received their exam timetables. These timetables can be found on the links below as well as on the Shared Google Drive for each year group. Students have been asked to write each exam in their handbook.
All students are expected to attend every exam. If students are away, they must have a justified reason, otherwise they will receive zero for that exam. There will be no catch-up exams. If students have a justified reason for missing an exam, then the exam mark will be estimated.
Students will start to receive their exam notifications for each subject. These provide valuable resources and ideas to help each student study. Remember it is never too late to start studying.
Some study tips include:
1. Be prepared and start early.
2. Make sure you read the notification.
3. Use the syllabus.
4. Memorise the key ideas and then explain them to a friend/parent without using your notes.
5. Complete practice questions.
6. Know your glossary terms.
7. Use colour.
8. Use mind maps, tables, study cards.
9. Ask as many questions as possible.
10. Use the study centre.
After homework is completed, students should be trying to spend some time on studying for the subjects they have exams in. Some students find this easier to do than others. Parents, siblings or friends are also a great source of motivation and can help students with their study. This could include writing out key vocabulary and their definitions, summarising class notes, reading over class notes, having someone ask questions on classwork. Remember to encourage your child/ren to use the notifications and the syllabus to help structure what they have to know and remember. It is important to realise that there is no right way to study as different ways work for different people. The aim for everyone is to work out what works best for them . Remember that every little bit counts.
All students have study ideas and tips from the study skills sessions that occurred this week. This includes practice in mind mapping, creating dot point summaries and creating flashcards to learn subject specific terminology. All students have been asked to keep in their handbooks and use at home.
The Study Centre is up and running this term. This is a great way to make sure you spend some time completing homework and studying with the help of the teachers. Please remember that transport is available back to Forbes and Parkes each day, leaving RBCC at 4.30pm.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the teachers or myself if you have any questions.
Director of Staff and Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Director of Staff and Curriculum | Mrs Trish Martin
Year 12 Half Yearly Reports
The Year 12 Half Yearly Reports will be emailed to parents/carers and students late week three, term two.
Year 11 Half Yearly Reports
The Half Yearly reports for Year 11 will hopefully be finalised in Week 7. The half yearly point for Year 11 students is approximately week 5.
Year 11 and 1 Parent/Teacher Student Conferences
Conferences will be held on Monday, May 20 in the Multi-Purpose Hall from 4.00 - 7.00pm. (Each interview will be limited to 10 minutes.)
To make an appointment, please access the parent portal via the college website https://redbend.cc/PTI or
via the School Stream app. The link is available until Sunday, May 19.
If you are unable to access the internet to make bookings, please contact the ICT department at the College on (02) 6852 2000 or email it-support@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au who will facilitate the procedure for you.
It is advised that you prioritise the teachers that you would like to speak with. This is especially recommended to parents whose availability is limited and or they have more than one child enrolled. If you are unable to book an interview in the timeframe you require, please use the option at the bottom of the booking site to ‘Request another time’.
Where possible, it is recommended that your child accompanies you to the conferences. We look forward to meeting with you on the night and value your support of Red Bend Catholic College.
HSC Exam Timetable 2024
The HSC exam timetable for 2024 is available on NESA’s website- HSC written exam timetable | NSW Government. The Year 12 students can access their personal timetable in Students Online.
Year 12 students and their parents/carers are encouraged to take note of the dates of their exams and save the calendar in a central location.
If parents/carers have any questions about any of the above please don’t hesitate to contact Trish Martin at the College on (02) 6852 2000 or email Trish Martin: dsc@redbendcc.nsw.edu.au.
Director of Boarding | Mrs Bernadette Hyde-Mewburn
Director of Boarding | Mrs Bernadette Hyde-Mewburn
National Boarding Week at Red Bend saw us celebrating the distinctive lifestyle and contributions of our boarding community. The week featured activities that embody our commitment to social justice and community values. Themed dinners in the refectory introduce a taste of various global cultures, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of the diverse backgrounds within our school community.
Wellbeing and wellness are central to the week's activities, with a Wednesday night game and activities event (see photos below). These activities are especially vital in helping our students balance their academic and social lives. The week was also marked by a festive cake cutting ceremony, symbolising the unity and spirit of our boarding community.
An informative session delivered by our Boarding Captains during the school assembly provided deep insights into the boarding experience, highlighting the benefits and personal growth our boarders gain. National Boarding Week not only celebrates the unique aspects of boarding life but also strengthens the bonds within our school community, reaffirming our commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for all our students.
Our Faith
Our Faith
25th Anniversary of the Canonisation of St Marcellin Champagnat
April 18 2024 marked a momentous occasion as Marists around the world celebrated the 25th anniversary of the canonisation of our Founder, St Marcellin Champagnat. His unwavering faith and dedication to educating the young have left an indelible mark on the many Dioceses of our world.
Twenty-five years ago, Marcellin was publicly recognised by the Universal Church in becoming a saint. St Marcellin’s vision of forming “good Christians and good citizens” continues to guide us in our mission of nurturing the minds and spirits of young people. His legacy of love and compassion is a beacon of light that shines for us, inspiring us to live the Gospel values with zeal and courage.
As we commemorate the silver jubilee of his sainthood, we recommit ourselves to our Marist mission, fostering a world where every child is cherished, and education is a doorway to hope. May St Marcellin Champagnat intercede for us, and may his life’s work continue to flourish for generations to come through us and many others across our Global Marist family.
The photo below is of the canonisation of St Marcellin at the Vatican on 18 April 1999. Note the scaffolding at the front of St Peters while it was being renovated.
Marist Immersion
On Monday, April 15 in the first week of the school holidays, seven Year 11 students travelled to Western Sydney to participate in the Marist Awareness program. We arrived at our accommodation at St Gregory’s in Campbelltown, a fellow Marist school, and settled into our dormitory.
On Tuesday morning, we headed to ‘Daramu’ in Mt Druitt, which is a social service that offers crisis support and for youths aged 12-18 in out-of-home care. We were joined by three young people from Marist Youth Ministry - Lucas, Joey and James, who accompanied us for the day.
Layne Brownlow offers her reflection…
While at Daramu, we were shown around and got to learn about their culture, traditions, and how they help in their workplace environment. We were all made to feel welcome in their homely environment. They told us about how Daramu works and what happens within their service. We were also shown a music clip of three boys who used to benefit from their service. The music clip includes their stories and backgrounds about their life. The clip created an insight/perspective into what is happening behind closed doors and how so many people have different stories.
At midday, we drove a few blocks around the corner and arrived at Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. That morning, they had a big ceremony to launch a book written and illustrated by Aboriginal mothers of young children.
Cooper Holloway offers his reflection…
While we were at Baabayn, a few of us sat in a circle and one of the elders taught us how to weave a basket from raffia. While we sat and wove, we talked about anything and everything and everyone was really comfortable. The weaving acted as a sort of ice breaker and removed any unfamiliarity or awkwardness.
Ru Little offers her reflection…
During our time at Baabayn, many personal experiences and aspirations were shared while we were taught basket weaving. Most of us wish to pursue a career pathway that primarily focuses on earning income, however whilst weaving, we learnt the significance of careers that preserved culture and jobs that gave back to the community like traditional dance teaching.
We headed out to dinner and some team bonding, with ten pin bowling Mr Merritt needed the guards up to keep it out of the gutter.
The next morning, we had a tour of St Greg’s, and learned about some of the history of the Marists in the area. We left Campbellwon and headed home, processing what had been a memorable experience immersing ourselves in different communities.
We would like to thank the people at St Greg’s, Baabayn and Daramu for teaching us new things that we will never forget and we would also like to thank Ms Langley and Mr Merritt for driving and accompanying us to Western Sydney, and Mr Pearce for his help organising our visits.
Students and staff: Layne Brownlow, Cooper Holloway, Lilly Kealley-Smith, Lachlan Kupkee, Ru Little, Jed Neilsen, Kayori Trainor, Ms Erica Langley, Mr Barry Merritt
Year 9 Reflection Day
The Year 9 Reflection Day occurred on Wednesday, May 15. It offered our students the chance to unite as a cohort and recognise the unique values that we share.
The presenter, Mr Michael Fitzpatrick, facilitated the day in such a fun and engaging way with a focus on the theme “Who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:25.
Special thanks also must go to the maintenance and kitchen teams, Mr Bill Holmes, Ms Bec Charlesworth, Ms Danielle Cowling, and all other supervising staff for their assistance in its preparation, supervision and delivery. Finally, thank you to our brilliant Year 9 students for their full participation.
House Report
House Report
Xavier
What a busy start to the year it has been for all Xavier students. It has been so good to see how the older students have helped the Year 7 students navigate their way around the school and feel welcome in Pastoral Care classes.
A great visible example of this has been in the three House Carnivals we have competed in this year. The Year 12 students have set an outstanding example for the rest of the year levels, with their passion and pride for Xavier and being able to come together as a strong group.
It was a very close one at the Athletics carnival last week with single digits separating Basil and us. The Xavier students knew it was close coming into the last event and rallied to win the Year 9,10,11 and 12 Relays but come up just short on the overall points.
It has been another strong carnival year for Xavier though with two seconds and 2 firsts in the 4 House competitions (House Games, Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics)
Library News
Library News
LitQuiz Team
Kids LitQuiz is a global competition that encourages students under the age of 14 to engage with and enjoy reading. Students compete in teams of four to use their combined knowledge to answer a wide range of questions relating to literary knowledge, fictional characters, authors and popular book content. Heats are held all over Australia with the winning team from each heat progressing to a national round, held each year at the NSW State Library in Sydney, to select the Australian LitQuiz team.
This year we entered two teams into the qualifying heats. We drew a large virtual heat with 28 teams representing schools from all over both regional and metropolitan NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Teams answered 100 questions over 10 themed rounds with 45 seconds to confer and record a response.
Both Red Bend teams are to be commended on their outstanding literary knowledge, teamwork and strong performance in the heat. RBCC 1 consisting of Oscar Henry, Nellie Baker, Anya Garton and Seamus O’Malley achieved an excellent overall result ranking 3rd in a highly competitive field. RBCC 2 consisting of Archie Higgins, Coco Byrnes and Claire Pengilly also played a strong game, ranking 16th with only a narrow margin between the team and the top ten placings.
The Marist family spirit and teamwork demonstrated by both RBCC teams was a joy to watch. As the first Red Bend cohort to enter the competition, the 2024 LitQuiz team represented the school with great pride and we are looking forward to competing again next year.
Year 7 Reading at Red Bend (RARB) program
As part of the College literacy policy, Year 7 students participate in RARB, a regular reading program that sees them attend the library once per fortnight during a timetabled English lesson.
The benefits of reading to improve comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and writing skills are well documented and our students are encouraged to read widely and to read often. All students maintain a RARB Log, recording the details and a brief synopsis of every book they read.
To encourage active engagement in the program, students receive a RARB token for each book they read, placing them in the draw for a $50 Teen Gift Card. There was a huge bundle of tokens in the box for Term 1 and it was with great excitement that we shuffled the pile and drew our Term 1 winner. Congratulations to Lane Smith!
Academics at RBCC
Academics at RBCC
Year 11 Modern History
Modern History is like sitting in front of a jigsaw puzzle. Just knowing the basic facts is not enough. It’s also about how you take those facts (like each piece of the puzzle) and come to a final conclusion. However… there are other concepts which students need to consider. Students need to use analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as incorporating other key concepts in their interpretation.
Sounds a bit full on doesn’t it?
Well, this week has been quite an interesting week for the Year 11 Modern History students and how they have put these skills into practice. Rather than go through historical facts, students have swapped their textbooks for detective badges as they have used their skills to solve crime cases. By using a crime game called On the Case.
On the Case is a fun interactive game people can play at home where they are provided with all the evidence in a case and must use the same skills students need to complete a history assessment. Throughout this week, the class completed one case together as a group before undertaking the second case individually. Apart from a lot of fun, the students worked very hard and proudly solved both cases. I look forward to watching them use these skills more in each upcoming lesson.
And congratulations to Levi Carver, who solved the individual case by himself to be awarded the inaugural Detective Trophy.
Kim Clayton
Year 11 Biology
Year 11 Biology students completing a prac exploring different types of cells.
Year 12 Drama
Our Year 12 Drama class did a Zoom workshop with Belvoir Theatre Company, on devising theatre and Black Comedy, which will help them with their HSC.
(Left) Year 11 Business Studies students made Tiny Teddy cars as a part of their business operations topic ; (Right) Year 8 Geography students recently visited Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Agriculture at RBCC
Agriculture at RBCC
Pig Youth Day
Our Pig Show Team attended a local Pig Youth Day. The day was focused on educating the students to become confident in preparing pigs for market and for show, as well as gaining an understanding of the many aspects of Australia's pork industry.
Sport at RBCC
Sport at RBCC
2024 School Athletics Carnival
Diocesan Cross Country, Orange
Over 40 RBCC athletes competed in Diocesan Cross Country today at Orange around Lake Canobolas. It was a magnificent day, sunny with the autumn leaves falling. Red Bend students behaved exceptionally, cheering on runners. The track was challenging with lots of undulating hills, but we came away with 18 runners qualifying for NSW CCC Cross Country championships in Sydney, along with winning the 13, 15, 17, and 18 years girls age groups.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island ID Day
Western Region Academy of Sport (WRAS), in partnership with Underwriting Agencies Australia (UAA), recently held an
Identification Day for young athletes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent, which some of our students attended.
The day provided a platform for athletes to engage in and demonstrate their abilities in the presented sports. The sport-stations included a combination of skill-based and game-based activities, designed to provide a welcoming and fun environment for the athletes to interact in.
The coaches present were all highly qualified and have significant experience in talent identification. The students selected were, Lennox Hurford, Thompson Hurford, Ash Kennedy, Corby Fliedner, Shalia Fox, Quinella Toomey, Nate Martin, and Charlie Taunton.
After the talent ID Day, students that have been identified will be asked to participate in two further training events to be hosted by WRAS. The sessions will focus on holistic athlete development in a field-based and a gym-based setting.
At the conclusion of these follow up sessions, athletes may either be offered a WRAS Future Stars Scholarship and/or invited to the appropriate WRAS-program trial for the 2024-2025 season.
Senior Diocesan Basketball, Bathurst
The Senior Boys and Girls Basketball teams travelled to Bathurst on Thursday, May 16 to do battle with other schools from the Bathurst Diocese.
The girls team combined well from the first jump and under the tutelage of coach Mrs Sarah Todd improved in all of their 4 games culminating in a dramatic victory over Mackillop College which brought on elated celebrations.
The boys showed real skill and teamwork in all their games and played their best against the most established team, James Sheahan College in both their encounters with them.
It was great to see both teams fully support each other in between their games and their behaviour and sportsmanship were outstanding.
Thanks to all, Mrs Sarah Todd and Mr Tony O’Connell (coaches)
Under 15's boys and girls soccer
32 students represented the College in under 15's boys and girls soccer. The girls had a great win in the first game against Parkes High, with some late scoring securing the victory.
This put them into the final against Parkes Christian School. The girls came up against a very strong side who won their first game 10 -0. The girls held on to go down 4-0. A lot of first timers on the field today with plenty of potential for the years ahead.
The boys played Parkes High in the first game and came away winners in a tight match 2-1. This placed us against Parkes Christian School. Our boys were mostly year 7 playing against a bigger and older side. A brilliant header by Jacob Cranny got us a late goal in the dying seconds of the match and put us through to extra time.
Extra time was 10 minutes each way with a player coming off the field every 5 minutes with a golden goal to determine the match. Haidin Hodge scored a late goal in the final minutes of the match taking his total to 4 for the day and sealing the win for the College 4 - 3.
A huge thanks to Pat Rudd for bringing the day together, Helen Vousden Airey for her support of the girls and boys teams. Thank you also to our competitors on the day Parkes High School, Parkes Christian School and St Raph's Cowra.
Community Events
Community Events
Sienna O'Connell's ANZAC Day speech
As we gather here today on this solemn occasion of ANZAC Day, I am honoured to stand here to share with you what this day means to me. ANZAC Day is not just a date on the calendar, it's a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and the spirit of our nation.
For me when I was little the best part of ANZAC day were the biscuits, however as I've grown I began to learn the true meaning of this day with marches, and ceremonies became more significant and special.
Being able to march in Forbes with my classmates and school community is a privilege and shows we recognise the importance of continuing this ceremony. It reminds us that we have a duty to stand up for injustices and keep our mates welfare at the forefront of our priorities.
A highlight of ANZAC day ceremonies was in 2020 when the traditional street march was cancelled due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines.
So instead we were instructed to stand outside of their houses at 5am to commemorate our service men and women.
It was a cold morning and getting up that early was difficult but when I stepped out onto my front driveway with a candle in hand I saw others in my street doing the same and was filled with a sense of reverence and camaraderie and pride.
Like many other Australians I too have a family connection to the ANZAC campaign. My great great grandfather was a lieutenant who served in the 12th light horse regiment. This entailed riding horses into battle to then fighting on foot. My Great great grandfather fought in many battles and thankfully came home physically uninjured however with a heavy heart suffering the loss of so many of his friends and his horse.
ANZAC Day is not just about commemorating the past it's also about honouring the present. It's a day to pay tribute to the men and women who continue to serve our nation. Their selflessness, dedication, and willingness to stand in harm's way for the greater good express the true spirit of ANZAC.
As we reflect today let us take a moment to pause and remember the loss and suffering endured by so many during times of conflict. We honour the memory of those who have gone before us and reaffirm our commitment to building a better, more peaceful world for future generations. Let us carry forward the legacy of the ANZACs with pride, knowing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Carmen Quade's Mother's Day speech
When Mathew asked me to talk to you I had a quiet giggle to myself. Who am I to speak on motherhood? As the mother of five children, people assume you know what you are doing. I think the only thing motherhood teaches you, is what you don’t know. I don’t know a lot about motherhood, I knew a lot more about it before I started.
You see, God never blesses you with the same child twice. You get a different one every time. The challenge is in giving them what they need, not what you think they need, to become the person that they were created to be. Perhaps we get sent the children we need to teach us the things we need to learn.
I ponder what it is that makes a mother? So often we confuse motherhood with domesticity. The cooking, the feeding, the cleaning, the bathing and the washing. The organising and the doing, the admin and the driving that needs to be done every single day. Are the jobs we allocate to mothers what makes us a mother in the same way that farming makes you a farmer or plumbing makes you a plumber or painting makes you a painter?
If we took all of the jobs away, would we still be a mother?
Are mothers unable to do these things because they are injured or ill any less of a mother?
Are mothers of children who have died any less of a mother?
Are the mothers of adult children who (hopefully one day will) learn how to wash and cook and clean and look after themselves any less of a mother?
Perhaps the question I ask myself often is that the mother of the children sent to school in dire need of a haircut, in the wrong uniform or a half-hearted attempt at a book week costume, or dropped back to the boarding house a day early any less of a mother?
The answer to all of these things is no. She is (and I am) no less a mother.
We know this in the same way we know that a child taken from its mother who is fed and neat and tidy still needs a mother. We know this in the way that we know all of the beautiful boarding, teaching, laundry, kitchen and canteen staff who love our children and each day do mother like things for them that we also do for them, are not their mothers.
So, what is a mother?
She is someone who loves you, not for what you achieve, for what you accomplish, for how good you are at footy or netball, or for how you make her proud. She is not someone who loves because you follow the rules, do well in exams or do what you are told.
She is someone who loves you just because you belong to her.
She is someone who for her entire life will delight in every child she meets that reminds her in the smallest way of you when you were younger.
She is someone who can see your light, on the days when no one else can. The very best of mothers are those that see the light for years in their children when no one else can, not even the child themselves.
Never giving up and gently kindling the flame.
In seeing this light, in allowing that light to shine, she reveals their spirit.
So today when we honour and thank our mothers, we need not only thank them for all they do and have done for us, but most of all for what they see in us.
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