From the Head of Campus

Welcome to the beginning of the school year. Every year in Australia, the school year begins in the season of Epiphany** - **a time in the Christian calendar where the identity of Jesus is revealed—made clear, brought into the light. Epiphany - often associated with wise men and stars - is about seeing Jesus for who He truly is: the Messiah who brings light, peace, and a new way of being. And that new way of being is so different from what the world often rewards. 

In Micah 6:8, God gives us a simple but profound summary of what He asks of us: 

“To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” 

These three things—justice, mercy, humility—are the bedrock of a life shaped by Christ. 

In our work as a school, we talk often about “above the line” behaviours—those that reflect integrity, kindness, collaboration, and professionalism. And we know that “below the line” behaviours—gossip, exclusion, sharpness in tone, unkindness—can quietly creep in and damage community. 

The season of Epiphany invites us to bring all behaviours into the light and ask ourselves: What does the way of Jesus look like here, at GNLC, in our interactions? 

In the Beatitudes, Jesus gives us what is essentially a recipe for life—a pattern for how to live well. Let me highlight a few for us today: 

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7 

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10 

Mercy. Purity of heart. Peacemaking. Courage to do the right thing. These are attitudes that shape our interactions and our culture. 

Jesus doesn’t say, “Blessed are the impressive,” or “Blessed are the powerful,” or “Blessed are the ones who win arguments.” He blesses attitudes that lift others up. 

As we begin this new year, perhaps God is gently inviting us to notice our words, or our tone, or our habits so that we are always bring the light of Christ to light: 

Perhaps we’re being called again to the humility of Christ— 

to the peace-making He modelled— 

to the mercy He extended— 

to the compassion He lived. 

Because every conversation creates culture. Every interaction is a chance to reveal Christ. We do this when we are people who act justly, love mercy, walk humbly, and follow Christ’s “above the line” way in every part of our work. 

Prayer 

Lord Jesus, Reveal to us today the areas of our life where you want to bring your light. Shape our attitudes, soften our hearts, and help us be people of mercy, peace, justice, and humility. Bless our work, our words, and our relationships, so that in all we do, we reflect your way of life. Amen. 

Joanne Wegener

Head of Campus