Principal's Ponderings

Character Training 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

– 2 Timothy 3:16–17

One of the greatest hopes we carry as parents and educators is that our children will grow into people of deep character, people who love what is good, who choose what is right and who reflect the heart of Jesus in how they live. We daily teach and encourage character development of our children and teenagers.

At Devonport Christian School, our mission goes far beyond only academic achievement. While we celebrate progress and to pursue excellence in learning, our deeper joy is seeing students trained in righteousness. That is not just an old-fashioned phrase. It is a spiritual calling, one that invites our children to live in alignment with God’s truth and grace.

The Bible is not just a religious book we bring out at devotional times, Bible lessons or church. It is the breath of God in written form, shaping hearts, sharpening consciences, and equipping children (and adults!) for every good work. Through Scripture, we learn how to live well, how to forgive, how to love our neighbours, how to be brave and how to walk humbly. At Devonport Christian School, it is also the foundation of our lessons, character development and formation.

Training in righteousness does not happen in a day. It is a process, just like training for sport or music. There are mistakes, sore muscles and moments when we want to give up. But the goal is worth it: children and teenagers formed in Christlikeness.

Parents, your role in this training is vital. When we gently discipline, model patience, speak honestly and choose compassion, we are shaping our children’s spiritual reflexes. When we hold boundaries with love and explain why truth matters, we give them tools to stand firm in a shaky world.

At school, we are intentional about teaching values that align with God’s Word: integrity, kindness, responsibility, respect, perseverance and humility. These are not just rules for the classroom, they are foundations for a meaningful life.

And yet, we all know that even with our best efforts, children and teenagers (and adults) stumble. We mess up. That is part of the journey too. Righteousness is not about perfection, it is about direction. Are we growing toward Jesus? Are we helping our children keep their eyes on Him, especially when they fall?

A helpful reminder comes from Proverbs 22:6:

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

The training we do now, the conversations, the boundaries, the Scriptures shared, the forgiveness practiced, may not always bear instant results, but God’s Word promises a harvest in due season.

This week, let’s recommit to the long but beautiful work of character formation. Let’s pray for wisdom, patience, and grace as we train our children, not just to succeed, but to stand firm in love, anchored in truth, and equipped for every good work.

In partnership and faith,

Chad Smit