From the Principal

This week I had the pleasure of interviewing a number of students for 2023 enrolment including many siblings of current Lakeside College students. This is always a joyful time as I get to know the little brothers and sisters of the students of the College.

Something that is always encouraging to do is see how the students respond to the ‘Prep readiness’ test when soon to be Prep students are asked about colours, shapes, letters and numbers. Some are so shy they can’t say a word and others quickly whip through everything with great joy. The greatest enjoyment for me is seeing the looks on parents' faces when they see their child do something they didn’t think they could do or know they certainly haven’t taught them!

What I also get a chance to hear about is how the family has gone through COVID, how the older siblings are enjoying their education, hear about other soon to be born siblings and so very often hear the gratitude of current families, for the staff of the College for their care of their children. While the enrolment season is a lot of meetings, it has more than enough rewards.

This week we have been acknowledging reconciliation week where we focus on the ongoing process of reconciliation with the first nations peoples of Australia.  As Christians, we are passionate about the work of reconciliation because it is the greatest act of reconciliation through the sacrifice of Christ that brings about the restoration of relationships with God. We read in the Gospel according to Matthew the following:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matt 5:23-25)

In Jesus’ time, the way to reconciliation with God was through offering sacrifices of produce, of money and a range of other things. Thank God this is no longer our way but here Jesus offers a lesson for us about God’s priorities.

Attending to what God requires in worship is important but notice that here Jesus teaches us that reconciliation, the repair of broken relationships, is so important that must come before worshipping God.  Again we see that God's priority is not systems or demands but people. 

While the enrolment process is a needed system it is really about getting to know each other so that our community can welcome new students successfully. It builds the trust between home and school. Its power is not the paperwork it is the relationship.

As we continue to gently emerge into what is hopefully a post COVID world, may God’s encouragement to put relationships first continue to guide us daily.

Blessings

Tom