Wise words with...

'Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Although this first week of Term 2 has been a relatively short one for students, commencing on Wednesday, much has already happened at our school. On the Tuesday, we were delighted to host a special morning tea for Mrs Michele Dallimore in recognition of her 35 years of faithful service to our school in her role as a secondary school teacher and executive team member. This event provided an opportunity for current staff and invited guests to pay tribute to Mrs Dallimore for the commitment that she has demonstrated to the task of teaching in a Christian school environment. Her genuine care and affection for both students and their families and her professional support of her teaching colleagues was highlighted by all who shared their reflections at this event. 

As I am writing this article, I am preparing to join with our Senior HSC students and a staff team when we will travel to the Attunga Campsite near Canyonleigh on Thursday to enjoy two days of stimulating outdoor adventures, combined with a focus on study programs and team building activities. The theme for this camp is ‘Shine’ and further details and photographs will be provided in a future edition of our BYTES newsletter. 

One of the most significant features of this past week has clearly been the focus on the Anzac tradition. Monday was the Anzac Day holiday and my wife Sharon and I joined with a number of NCS staff, students and parents/carers to participate in the Dawn Service that was held at Greenwell Point. It was a very solemn occasion where we were powerfully reminded that there is always a price to pay for freedom. Later in the morning, other NCS community members were present at the Nowra Anzac Service.

This significant theme of selfless sacrifice was further emphasised when Nowra Christian School held our Anzac Assembly on Wednesday morning. With the relaxation of COVID restrictions, it was a huge encouragement to witness the large audience of students, staff, parents/carers and extended family members who joined with us in the Multi-Purpose Centre. We were also delighted to have a number of special guests from various branches of our Australian Defence Forces. We were gathered to fittingly pay our own respects to the many service men and women who had sacrificed their lives in numerous theatres of war to protect the freedoms that we enjoy in our nation today. This theme of sacrifice and its clear links to a Christian perspective was capably explored by Lieutenant Colonel Jamie Martin who was our guest speaker at this event. Lieutenant Colonel Martin is also an NCS parent so we were delighted that he was able to carry out this important role.

The program was both powerful and moving, commencing with a Bible reading and prayer. Students from our school, who are members of the Australian Defence Force Cadets, formed the catafalque party and they marched confidently into the hall. Floral wreaths were laid by our Primary Prefects in recognition of the sacrifices of those who had given their lives for our country. Year 10 student, Kayleigh Weissel, competently accompanied by our School Concert Band, provided powerful renditions of both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems.

My focus verses for this edition of the BYTES come from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. These were the verses shared at our Anzac Assembly and they clearly remind us that we serve a loving God who cares deeply for us and who also challenges us to care deeply for others.