Letter to Family and Friends
Dear Pilgrim Families,
Welcome back to Term 3 of school!
On Monday the 24th of July we had a student free day. On this day the Pilgrim staff team joined with approximately 1400 Christian staff from a diverse range of Christian schools from across South Australia. The Christian Schools Australia (CSA) SA State Conference was an inspiring event that sought to explore the intersection of Christianity with the dynamic culture of the 21st century. The conference, titled 'A Place to Grow: The Formation of Practice / The Practice of Formation', provided an incredible platform for all participants to understand how the message of the Gospel remains relevant in a postmodern world that questions the existence of absolute truth.
Worship, Connection, and Community
The conference facilitated a unique opportunity for staff to come together in worship, strengthening their sense of community and shared purpose. The power of collective prayer and worship brought a profound sense of unity, reminding everyone that they are part of a wider body of Christian schools.
Embracing the Challenges of the 21st Century
In an era where societal values and norms are ever-changing, Christian schools face the challenge of addressing how faith connects with everyday Aussies. The CSA State Conference fostered discussion on how to effectively teach and model Christianity in a way that resonates with children and families. We understand that nurturing faith is a dynamic process that requires thoughtful adaptation while holding true to the timeless principles of the Gospel.
The theme of the conference, 'A Place to Grow', underscored the importance of creating an inclusive and nurturing environment where children can grow in their understanding of faith and Christian values.
Inspiring Guest Speakers
The conference featured thoughtful Christian leaders, whose insights and experiences resonated with the participants:
- Max Jeganathan – In his compelling talk on 'Living Faith in the Battlefield of Ideas', Max challenged attendees to engage with the intellectual challenges posed by the modern world. As a renowned apologist and Christian thinker, he provided valuable guidance on navigating the complex intersections between faith and reason.
- Dr. Natasha Moore – Addressing the theme of 'Public Faith for a Parched World', Dr. Moore inspired the audience with her vision for sharing the Christian message in a world thirsty for meaning and purpose. As an accomplished writer and cultural commentator, her perspective shed light on how Christians can engage with society in a meaningful and relevant way.
- Pastor Craig Groeschel – Drawing from his vast experience as a pastor and leader, Craig's talk, 'Lead Like It Matters', provided a compelling call to action to lead with purpose and conviction. His inspirational message resonated with those seeking to make a lasting impact in the lives of their students and communities.
- Michael Denholm – Our very own Business Manager, Michael Denholm, was part of a panel of 5 speakers sharing with conference participants 'Why Christian Schools?' Michael shared his passion and love for working at Pilgrim School as a Christian community serving children and families.
The CSA State Conference was more than just a training event; it was a platform for Christian school communities to come together and encourage and support each other. Educators, administrators, and support staff from different schools found common ground and shared a sense of camaraderie that extended beyond the day.
Pilgrim School is a part of the Christian Schools Australia Network connected with hundreds of schools across Australia. Next week Julie Wicks, Lisa Newbury and I will be in Hobart for the National CSA Leaders' Conference. This is a premium opportunity to network and learn together with other leaders in Christian Schools. Bess Sarre will be Acting Principal during the time we will be away.
The CSA National Conference is always an opportunity for participants to return to their respective schools, carrying with them a renewed sense of purpose. We each look forward to the opportunities to learn and grow together and reinvest what we gather into our school community.
May you have a wonderful Term 3. 😊
Blessings,
Andrew Edmondson
Principal