Dear Kings Meadows High School Community 

There is an old saying, and I’m unsure who coined the phrase, that goes something like this: ‘life takes many twists and turns, so be ready to twist and turn with it’.

The boy scout motto is similar and is a great approach to circumstances and situations that you may find yourself in which may have come about from a bit of a twist or turn, ‘be prepared’.

Upon hearing the Scout motto, someone asked Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell the inevitable follow-up question. “Prepared for what?” 

“Why, for any old thing,” he replied.

Well, I have to say I wasn’t prepared for the past month, but I have twisted and turned as best I can, and the road is looking a bit straighter.

Let me give a bit of context.

Had you asked me a month ago if I was returning as Chaplain in 2022 the answer would have been a resounding yes. I love being a chaplain for a variety of reasons, being able to get alongside people who are struggling with school attendance, relationships, identity, family issues and a multitude of other reasons, and that’s just the teachers?

Jokes aside, I do take my role as Chaplain seriously as am fortunate to be able to do something I love as a job.

As I said before, life has many twists and turns and a month ago I applied for a position at City Mission Launceston, working within the homeless sector, twist #1. A few days after an interview, I was offered the position, which I accepted, turn #1.  

Twist and turn #2; Thursday 9^th December was my last day at Kings Meadows High School as your Chaplain. It has been a privilege to work with you all and to have the opportunity to support staff and students here at the school. I will certainly miss being here and I will look fondly upon my time at Kings Meadows High School.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Kings Meadows High School staff, students, volunteers and the wider community for your support over the past three years as Chaplain at Kings Meadows High School and it is my prayer that the school will find a suitable replacement for 2022 and beyond.

I would also like to wish the graduating Grade 10 students a safe and successful future.

For returning students, staff, and families, be prepared:

What for?

For any old thing ?

Have a wonderful & Merry Christmas and a safe & prosperous New Year,

Thank you,

Paul Burton

Chaplain