Editorial

There’s a verse I find myself returning to often, especially at the beginning of a new term: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) It’s a gentle yet powerful reminder that our calling isn’t primarily about getting things done—it’s about staying close to the One who calls us beloved. In a culture that so often drives us into relentless “doing mode,” this verse can be an anchor. It reminds us of the priority of presence - that “being” comes before “doing”.

Over the past term, I’ve been deeply encouraged to see this lived out across our College. Our community doesn’t just speak about God but actively seeks to draw near to Him—choosing to live from His presence in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.

A recent expression of this was during Week 0, at the end of last Term, where we intentionally created space to pause before the pace of life picked up again. Led by Hannah Tunley, our staff shared in a morning of rest, prayer, and reflection. Through quiet worship and creative prayer stations, they were invited to simply be with God. It was a reminder that our strength for the term ahead flows from the depth of our connection with Him.

This same desire to live from God’s presence continues to shape many of the spiritual rhythms taking place across our College.

This weekend, a group of Secondary students will gather for Faith Camp—a special time of prayer, worship and togetherness where they’re invited to respond to God’s presence in a deeper way. In the Primary School, our students are likewise growing in their own rhythms of intimacy with God—through joyful new initiatives like Praise Pals and Kingdom Crew, launched by Tee Pulini, where our youngest students are singing, praying, and delighting in the love of Jesus together.

Just recently a group of Year 10 students returned from their mission trip to Vanuatu, where we partnered with the Victory School of Hope in the Black Sands community. While the team worked hard—painting and restoring buildings damaged in the December earthquake, teaching lessons, leading games—it was clear to us that the most important work wasn’t what we did, but how we stayed close to God as we served. We prayed regularly as a team and sought to remain open to what He was doing around us. In doing so, we noticed the subtle ways He was preparing opportunities ahead of us: small encounters that opened up deep conversations, unexpected needs we were able to meet, and moments of joy in seeing God at work in the midst of the serving.

As a staff leadership team, we were so proud of the students—not just for their initiative and resilience, but for the way they chose to be present. They didn’t serve from obligation, but from overflow. They were light-hearted, compassionate, open to challenge, and attentive to those around them. In many ways, they lived out what it means to live close to God. Because when we draw near to Jesus, we find the courage to step into hard things - not with fear, but with trust.

This is what Christian formation is all about. Not just programs or spiritual activities, but hearts that are steadily being shaped by intimacy with Jesus. It’s not always loud or dramatic. More often, it’s quiet. Slow. Like roots deepening. But over time, it bears fruit—in character, in compassion, and in light.

Jesus once said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14) But we only shine brightly when we remain close to the Light of the World Himself. The closer we walk with Jesus, the brighter our light shines in this world.

So as this new term unfolds, my prayer is that our students, our families, and all of us as a school community would continue to “draw near”. That we would live not just busy lives, but abiding ones. That we would be a school not only marked by excellence but known for our presence—living in God’s love and reflecting His light in all we do.

Craig Ogden

Director of Christian Formation