On a really positive note, your backing for this petition has reached nearly 1800 signatures, which is a fantastic result and a true sign of community support and need for the not for profit affordable education our Preschool offers! The many messages of support, personal experiences and insights could not have provided a stronger, clearer message to Richard Mason and the Parish Council of the amazing impact and outreach this Church initiative has generated over the past 40+ years. While our letters to Archbishop Glenn Davies seeking his attention to this situation have not even been acknowledged, at least this petition has been noticed by Bishop Chris Edwards. A good start we hoped, until he reaffirmed that despite the overwhelmingly negative response to their decision, Richard Mason and the Parish Council have no intention of reconsidering our eviction notice. However we have always been and will continue to be open to conversation. We are still waiting for Bishop Chris Edwards, Richard Mason and the Parish Council to confirm a meeting date to discuss Richard’s “vision”. While we understand and acknowledge that the Parish Council as landlord can make decisions about their property, the lack of consultation and transparency is disappointing, and we still find their reasoning baffling and counterproductive. Holy Trinity Preschool was established as part of the Church, and has operated in partnership successfully for over 40 years. This partnership stopped just 5 short months ago in December 2014, when Richard Mason and the Parish Council decided to sever the relationship. Even more baffling from a financial view point is that the Preschool rent makes up a significant proportion of the Church’s income. Richard has already stated the Church will have financial “loss” because of our forced eviction. Where is the sense in this decision? After only 3 years here, Presbyter Richard Mason is seeking to be ordained as Minister for Holy Trinity Church. We understand that his future “vision” includes ousting the Preschool and will form part of his argument as to why he should be chosen to represent Holy Trinity. But at what cost? A community that does not agree with his decision? Long term parishioners that have left the Church because of his decision making? A Church losing money? What a loss for all... The Bishop is considering also considering other applicants for the role. Given that Richard Mason may not even be here long term, we are hoping that the Parish Council may reconsider their decision until a permanent Minister is ordained. Perhaps a new Minister may actually want to maintain the Preschool and work with us to build a future together? We continue to be open to discussion on a future together, and look forward to meeting with Bishop Edwards soon to discuss options. But enough of that, onto bigger and better thoughts! Knowing that the Parish Council currently does not want us anymore, we are actively searching for new premises to keep our Preschool going and our community together! A couple of hugely encouraging things that have come out of this petition and the great story in the Manly Daily, being that we have been approached about new places to start afresh! We are presently exploring two potential locations which both offer excellent opportunities to rebuild within the same area! We are working fast to secure a future for your Preschool children, knowing that we have only 6 weeks till places for 2016 are offered. We hope above all else that we are able to secure a new place for our Preschool next year. Fingers crossed that with the support of parents, teachers, and the whole community, we will be continuing to care for your children into 2016 and beyond!