Ode to 2013-2014
On Wednesday, June 11th, I had the privilege to address Rockway Faculty and Staff for the last time, alongside Joanna Loepp-Thiessen, Chairperson of Faith and Worship. Together we talked about this year’s chapel theme, Expect the Unexpected, and shared about how the year was filled with “unexpected” moments.
The final excerpt of this address is worthy to share, as it sums up the year and gives pause to the future!
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This year I have witnessed a community experience unexpected moments of joy and unexpected moments of pain and suffering. As a community, we have celebrated:
- Athletic achievements, including the success of our Junior Badminton Team and the Boys’ Rugby Team winning CWOSSA!
- Artistic events, such as Seussical, that required so much time and energy, but in the end, came together brilliantly!
- Academic achievements…..witnessed students who were in credit jeopardy, yet in the end worked hard and diligently to succeed.
- Finding out that Ms. Farlow, Ms. Matthews, Ms. Martin Schiedel and Mr. Rempel’s wife, were all pregnant has been celebratory. Having each of these people share this news with me was unexpected, yet so joyous!
The Rockway community, has however, also experienced unexpected moments of pain.
- In January, I announced that Lynn Bergsma Friesen would be leaving to be treated for cancer. We continue to hold Lynn and her family in our prayers and look forward to her return in January.
- We hold Jackie Fackoury in our thoughts and prayers, as her husband Sam recently had surgery for a tumor and will continue with treatments throughout the summer.
- Some of you have had challenging years with your own physical or mental health.
- Some of you have experienced unexpected pain through the loss of a parent, a grandparent, a friend, an aunt, an uncle, a pet…
In the past 10 months, and on a more global level, our world lost the great Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Canada’s long-standing Finance Minister Jim Flaherty…..many families lost loved ones in the Malaysian plane that mysteriously disappeared…..there has been violence in Moncton, New Brunswick, conflict in the Ukraine…..I could go on.
Throughout all of these unexpected events of joy and suffering, I have witnessed a Rockway community rally in support around those celebrating and those crying. How moving it has been to see you celebrate during the times of joy, while also noting your ability to show love, care and concern to those around you who were experiencing challenge and/or sorrow. This year I have been reminded Rockway is a community that cares and constantly strives to be a school of compassion….it is who we are.
Unexpected moments of pain have turned into opportunities for joy, grace and love. This is one of the reasons I love to lead this school. Because you know how to celebrate, and you know how to care.
And so, we end this year….hopefully hearing these reflections will have challenged you to reflect on your own unexpected moments and how these times have allowed your eyes, ears, and minds to be open to God’s spirit at work in the world, in others and in your hearts.
Thank you, Rockway Faculty, Staff, Students and Parents, for your support this year! May the summer bring you all new opportunities and challenges and may God bless you as you encounter many new and unexpected moments!
Ann L. Schultz
Tags: C3, contentment, discover rockway, faith, Family Breakfast, Gratitude, Homecoming Weekend, peace, prayer
