Finding calm, forgiveness and connection this Christmas is something many of us hope for - whether we are spending the season with family or apart from them - after a busy and, at times, difficult year. Amidst the Christmas preparations and gatherings, I invite us to pause and reflect on one of the season’s most beautiful messages: “Peace be with you.”

Peace doesn’t mean life without challenges or disagreements, it means finding calm and kindness in the middle of it all. In a world that often feels hurried, Christmas offers the opportunity to nurture peace in our hearts, our families, and our communities. When we live in peace, we show our children how to approach life with understanding, gentleness, and gratitude.

At home, peace begins with listening, truly listening to one another, without rushing to fix or judge. Small rituals like shared meals, evening walks, or simply turning off devices to talk can create moments of calm for busy families. Our children will carry these lessons into adulthood, learning that peace is built through love, respect, and understanding.

In our workplace, peace looks like supporting colleagues, showing patience, and collaborating with kindness. The end of the year can be stressful, so offering encouragement and checking in on colleagues can make a big difference. When adults model this, children learn that peace is not just a word but an action.

Friendships grow and change throughout our lives, and our children learn from what they see. We can help them understand that forgiveness is essential - we all make mistakes. Encourage children to apologise and let go of anger, reminding them that peace comes from lightening the heart. Choosing kind words strengthens relationships and builds trust.

Sometimes peace in our own families feels the hardest to find. Old hurts, poor use of language, misunderstandings or distance can grow over time. The first step is often a small one - a phone call, a card, or simply saying, “I’d like us to start again.” Christmas gives us permission to soften our hearts. Whether through shared laughter over lunch, memories, prayer, or a quiet word of reconciliation, each small gesture brings us closer to the peace that the birth of Jesus symbolizes.

For families in Australia, peace may look like a relaxed Christmas barbecue, children splashing at the beach, or gatherings under the gum trees. It’s a reflection of our culture and the spirit of the Nativity - joy, generosity, and connection. In these moments, children see what truly matters: that peace is built through love, respect, and community.

At Bishop Druitt College, we embrace this spirit of community throughout the year, especially as we approach the festive season. One of our favourite traditions is coming together to decorate the school for Christmas. Our students, staff, and families work in partnership, and we invite families to bring tree decorations from their travels. It’s a way to celebrate our diversity and the global nature of Christmas.

We also enjoy a fun and creative Christmas door decorating event, where staff decorate their classroom doors. The students love walking around to see the unique and often whimsical designs - a joyful experience that brings excitement and happiness to our school community.

Another important tradition is our BDC Christmas Hamper Appeal. We invite our BDC community, students, families, and local businesses, to contribute what they can to spread hope at Christmas. Every donation, whether it's a gift, a hamper item, or a financial contribution, helps make Christmas brighter for those in need. We are proud to work with Warrina Women and Children’s Refuge and The Soupie, two incredible local organisations that support those facing hardship. The generosity of our community can make a real difference.

As we reflect on the year, I also want to mention that there are still limited spots available at BDC for Kindy and Year 11 enrolments for 2026. We warmly invite new families to join our BDC community, where we prioritise students' wellbeing, intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social development. If you’re considering Bishop Druitt College for your child’s education, please get in touch soon to secure a spot in one of these year levels.

The generosity demonstrated across our country at Christmas, through donations, volunteering, or simply reaching out to help others, reminds us that peace is often found in small, thoughtful actions. Last year, I was moved by the kindness I saw in Ukraine, where communities shared songs, Christmas decorations, and food, even when they had so little. Christmas is a time when we remember that hope and peace can come from the simplest acts of kindness.

When we live the message of Christmas - the hope of the manger and the joy of Santa - we teach our children that peace is possible, not just in the world but in our friendships, at school, and, most importantly, in our homes.

So, this Christmas, may your home be filled with calm hearts, forgiving spirits, and laughter. And may our school community continue to thrive in peace, creativity, and kindness.

Peace be with you — today and always.

Simon Doyle
Principal