For This, I Give Thanks

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:17

I am a big believer that we have a responsibility to do our best in every situation and will frequently share this message in any appropriate context - with family, friends, colleagues, students. As believers, God wants to use the example of our lives, our attitude and our approach to living our best life to encourage others to live a life of faith and trust, following Christ’s teaching and leading. Despite Distance Learning being far from the optimal method of teaching and engaging students in learning, relationship and community, I am extremely proud of the way the Donvale Community – students, parents and staff – has done our best in this situation, whilst giving thanks to God for his love, protection and blessing. 

To the Students: 

I have delighted in hearing stories or reading emails from your teachers about so many of you who have done your best this term. There have been things shared with me about the progress you have made in your learning, and how some of you have worked so hard to make steps to improve understanding. For some of you, simply turning up to a Teams Meeting was an achievement, and there were others who found your voice and participated more on chats than you did at the start of the term. If you take a moment, I am confident that you will all be able to celebrate the enormous effort you have given to your learning, giving of your best to every challenge along the way. Well done!

To the Parents:

Thank you for supporting our initiatives and tuning in to our Monday morning assemblies, as we have done our best to build a connection with the wider community.  These times have become an important part of the week, allowing us to speak valuable messages about the character and nature of young (and older) people who do their best in every situation; whether they are learning, relating to others or fulfilling God’s purposes and plans in their everyday life and interaction. Although we haven’t been able to see you, it has been so encouraging to see the number of views on the live stream. 

We are forever grateful for the way you continue to model to your children what it means to do your best under these challenging circumstances. You have had a wonderful insight into the world of education and teaching, and you have given your all to ensure your children could grow and learn in this season. We are thankful, as I am sure your children are, for the godly way you have done your best and encouraged the best in your children.

To the Staff:

I am seriously so proud of you, Primary Staff, with each of you working tirelessly to improve the quality of the Distance Learning program, always finding new and creative ways to engage all members of the community through innovative interactions, fun learning experiences and social hang-outs online, even in these past few weeks. You have most certainly done all you can to achieve your best, and our community is richer for your commitment, effort and perseverance.

Primary Staff, you have taught, you have chatted, you have listened, you have shared, you have read stories, you have arranged guest speakers and online excursions, you have planned and you have prepared. Most importantly, you have committed to praying for every child, for every family and for each other as you have done your best to serve our School community in this season. You are amazing!

God, I am sure, knows that we have all done our best this term and I am confident that through this period of rest and time away from the screens, that he will continue to do a great work in us – preparing us to return to learning, in its various forms next term, as we strive to be people who always do our best in every situation!

And for this, I give thanks.