Welcome to the new decade and to 2020!

I would like to start by sharing the sadness we feel about the devastation fires have caused to our beautiful country. With over 10.7 million hectares of land burned, at least 28 people perished and over 1.25 billion animals perished. New South Wales and Victoria were the two states worst-hit and Kangaroo Island in South Australia has lost at least 25,000 koalas killed by the unrelenting fires. These figures are just phenomenal. A tragedy of this magnitude has affected all Australians and indeed many people from other continents.

The journey ahead is going to be long and the hardship for many will continue later in this new decade.

Right now is not a time to blame someone or something. We need to see what we can each do to help, both as Montessorians and as human beings,  or at least send our thoughts and prayers to those directly affected. We are grateful to any and all people that have helped in some way: you are our heroes and you have helped in starting the restoration process. Your generosity is providing all Australians courage and hope. Thank you!

A special thanks to all fire fighters and volunteers for their work and care!

Yvonne Rinaldi – CMS Principal

Featured image courtesy of Daily Mail Australia