The community at Moore Park are, undoubtedly, heart broken at the recent tragic death of 3 year old Sophia. Her mother, who was alleged to have harmed her, is now also deceased. This is tragedy upon tragedy. One of our students works at the Kids & Co Day Care Centre at the heart of this story and told me how much she loved Sophia. Really pleased to hear from that young woman how strongly the local community, mental health workers and others, are wrapping themselves around all of the staff and families connected. That said, I just struggle to comprehend the vile comments posted on-line condemning Sophia’s mother who, in all likelihood, was suffering significant mental ill health at the time. What does that achieve? When I was listening to reports about this tragedy last week, I was also reading about the threatened collapse of Mental Health services across the whole state of NSW.

As there were not enough beds for Psych patients, it was claimed that many unwell patients were being released into the community without adequate treatment. I would suspect that our State may not be that far behind. We have firsthand experience at Shalom of families close to us, unable to secure timely and accessible mental health support. If it is possible that this awful situation in Moore Park is a result of individuals not being able to access the care that they need, would those who posted awful, condemnatory comments, be likely now to publicly retract those comments? There is certainly some truth in the ancient wisdom that we should not condemn anyone until we have ‘walked a mile in their shoes’. I do my best not to read too much of what is posted on sites like ‘Bundaberg Forum’ as it so often just seems to be a venue for some to make hurtful and uninformed comments – sometimes about Shalom and every other school in town. I loved talking to our student working at Kids & Co Day Care Centre. She loves the work, loves the staff and loves the young people with whom she cares. She will miss Sophia but she is sure that she has found her calling in life. She will make a difference to so many vulnerable kids.

Mr Dan McMahon
Principal
Daniel_McMahon@rok.catholic.edu.au