With full transparency — over the holidays, I caught myself slipping into a bit of "doom scrolling" on social media and judging by the number of "life hack" videos I saved, you would think I am constantly on the lookout for shortcuts to make life easier!
Honestly! Who does not want life to be a little simpler?
There is something so tempting about the idea that everything — from cooking dinner to managing a busy week — could be quicker, easier, or cheaper with just a clever trick.
In my experience — and perhaps yours too — those clever “life hacks” we often come across rarely live up to their promises. Yet, they have prompted me to pause and reflect on something deeper: the shared human longing for simplicity, joy, and lasting hope.
We hope that our children grow to be kind, courageous, and compassionate.
We hope for peaceful moments in the midst of our busy lives, for adventures that broaden our view of the world, and sometimes, simply for the strength and grace to make it through the day. These reflections remind us of what truly matters and encourage us to slow down and savour the small, meaningful moments.
"Hope is the anchor of the soul."
— Hebrews 6:19
Our hope is not wishful thinking; it’s a trust in God’s promises, knowing that He is faithful, and that our lives are grounded in His enduring love. Our hope is not in hope itself. It is in a person — in Jesus Christ, the one who is Truth itself. His promises never fail. He shows us that faithful love, though demanding, is always worth it.
During his lifetime, Pope Francis was a living example of this message. His leadership of the Church reminded us that true Christian hope is active, courageous, and enduring. He challenged us not to fall into despair or resignation but to trust boldly in God’s promises. We are blessed to have witnessed his extraordinary interpretation of the Truth — urging the world to stay rooted in love, compassion, and perseverance. Pope Francis called us to be "Pilgrims of Hope", to keep moving forward even when faced with uncertainty or challenge. He taught us that hope does not mean avoiding the hard road — it means walking it with trust, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
As a school community, living in the light of the Dominican tradition of Veritas (Truth), we are called to lead and nurture our children with this same steadfast hope. Not chasing after shortcuts, but anchored in the deep promises of God, confident that our path — though at times demanding — leads to abundant life for us and our children.
May this term be filled with renewed hope and quiet strength for you and your family.
In Truth, we flourish
Julie Southwell
Principal
