Petals of Peace visited a catholic School, Queen of Peace school in Altona Meadows, there were about 300 children, grade 4,5,6, and the teachers. The children were excited when they saw the lotus flowers, we had them displayed on the table. Maryanne the teacher who is very moved by Petals of Peace and is very supportive asked the children several times if they understood and were they clear about the persecution and understand the story of Fadu. The children were very still and were listening, we had 30 minutes to do a presentation of Fadu's story. We were preparing the children to close their eyes to listen to the poem and in flew two swallows and circled the hall several times, well the children were laughing and it was a joyous moment. Phillippa read out the poem, and then we asked them what would they like to write on the postcards. We finished with a song for Petals of Peace, very simple, I sang One line and the children followed. Every child had been given a postcard and a letter to take home for their parents and we have given the teachers a package with flowers and leaflets, so they are involved as well. At the end of the week I returned and picked up the postcards from the school, Maryanne and the children have been so moved by Petals of Peace, they loved the song and can't wait to learn the lotus flowers. Maryanne booked a time for us to go back in April, just before mothers day to teach the children the lotus flowers. Here are some of the messages that have been written by the children.

Please Try and make china change their silly laws.

Why must people be killed for their beliefs
Why must children not know peace
Why can't peace grow on every tree and
Why should little children say why does peace not know me
Peace should be known to everyone, including me.

I am sad to hear about Fadu and her parents
It's sad to hear that people are being arrested for such little things
I hope the world becomes a better place so I give you all my love.

Dear friend, always remember never lose faith
Around every bad corner is a prize
Around every demon is an angel
Never lose your temper for anything in the world.

Change all the chinese laws
And the chinese presidents

Petals of Peace
Change all of the stupid laws and regulations or if that doesn’t solve anything get new presidents. Send these Petals of Peace from us to the children, so they can keep them company.

I think they should have a vote, if they keep on going like this, people should choose if they want something without going to jail. If other countries are allowed to do it why can't they.

My name is Jade and I have written a little poem to make you happy.

Roses are red Violets are blue I want to share
Happiness with you
So be happy
Don’t be sad
This card is to make you happy not sad.

Posting date: 31/May/2004
Original article date: 29/May/2004
Category: Australian News