To my St Francis of Assisi family,
My cup is overflowing with love as I live out my last days as the Assistant Principal in Religious Identity and Mission at St Francis of Assisi School. I am filled with gratitude for all who have crossed my path and the experiences shared.
My time here has shaped who I am and strengthened so many of my personal and professional passions. My love of Franciscan Spirituality, nurturing a holistic approach to wellbeing through the lens of God’s will for us, having an awareness of my personal character strengths and compassion for my brokenness have all made a life of faith possible. Most significantly God’s love - kind, gentle, merciful love - has been a consistent personal source of strength while riding the waves of harmony/peace, conflict/struggle that comes with being a leader in faith and religious education. Making links with knowing how Francis and Clare lived out their spirituality in concrete circumstances of their lives to the situations of today, continues to be an area of mindfulness, learning and joy that I bring to the service of others.
The pastoral responsibility in all my roles over the last 22 years has been a natural way of sharing what’s close to my heart – the message and mission of Jesus. This is where my greatest growth and has been, especially through the eyes and hearts of children. I am forever grateful for their shared vulnerability, bravery and perspectives on life. The laughs and tears have all been 5 Star moments where my love of learning, appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope and zest for life have all been tried and tested.
I take away many gifts with me and the most treasured one is memories of love from you - members of the parish office, members of parish committees, Secular Franciscans, all staff, parents, grandparents, Shining Stars, and all students, past and present.
We thrive and flourish when we are seen, heard and matter. I leave feeling all three. I have learnt so much and grown in a supportive work environment. I have felt safe and welcomed here. From that space I have joyfully contributed to the school, maintained a passion and willingness to serve, been an advocate for change, embraced being a life-long learner, built strong relationships, empowered others to embrace life with visions for the future and take small steps towards actions.
What I do know is that we are all leaders of faith and wellbeing and my hope for the school’s future is that relationship power is nurtured and strengthened. That you continue to inspire each other to shine brightly and reach for the stars.
Pope Francis has recently said the following in regards to COVID-19 that resonates with my decision to disconnect before reconnecting again to whatever and wherever I feel called, "The crisis, in a sense, has given us a chance to develop new ways of living. Already we can see how the earth can recover if we allow it to rest: the air becomes cleaner, the waters clearer, and animals have returned to many places from where they had previously disappeared. ... We must use this decisive moment to end our superfluous and destructive goals and activities, and to cultivate values, connections and activities that are life-giving.” As I leave this community for now I am smiling. My time at St Francis of Assisi has been nothing short of life-giving.
Josie Cochrane
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