School Chaplain

Connecting by name

I have always held the belief that ‘When you know a people’s language you become their kith, and when you know their culture, their kin”. There is power in knowing people’s languages and cultures. Strong relationships are built. This is why teaching the Aboriginal Spirituality module is important in our Anglican schools. 

I have also been at various conferences where various speakers share ideas and suggestions about how to unlock a teenager’s heart and open them to listening when you counsel or share the Gospel with them. I have also always believed that it is important to use language, idioms and metaphors that young people understand. We sometimes do that in our chapel  — illustrations are very important.

Young people do better when they can see colour and physical objects — the Godly Play Program does that very well. But another great method that helps me to connect with my students — yes, I am well connected with my students here at St George’s - is Chapel, which popular at our school. Knowing students, each by their name, excites them. “He knows my name!” they excitedly whisper with one another as they walk away whenever I greet them by their name. The reward of that is the love and joy they give back to you. I feel so loved by my students. 

Did Jesus not say, “I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10.14) It is indeed important to know students by their names. 

Fr Gift Makwasha

School Chaplain