A lot can happen in 10 minutes!

It was wonderful seeing parents and staff connect at our Parent Teacher Interviews this week. A lot can happen in the 10 minutes, with productive conversations that enable all to hear, to share and to create a way forward together as our students and their learning needs are prioritised for the remainder of the year. Thank you for partnering with us in this way, and for allowing us to share in the privilege of raising and equipping your children for a life of purpose under God.

Daily we see high levels of enthusiasm in our classrooms as students gather to learn, play and share experiences together. As you wander through any classroom, the energy is high. But when challenges come, finding the endurance to push through can be a real obstacle. To help our young students live out Hebrews 12, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus”, we are getting GRITTY this term!

Every classroom teacher has selected a GRIT challenge or two for their students – something that will physically, socially or academically stretch and grow their ‘resilience muscles’. Each week, students will be given time to develop their GRIT – working towards individual or collective goals that encourage active participation to increase their endurance when the going gets tough. A lot can happen in 10 minutes, as practising little and often is the best way to gradually build up stamina for the long haul.

Thursday mornings are busy in our household. Each week, we have the privilege of having our grandchildren stay overnight on Wednesday and be part of their morning routine as they prepare for school and childcare at Nannie and Poppy’s. It’s been a while since I have needed to get little people ready and prepared for a day of school, and I’ve noticed that a lot can happen in 10 minutes, productively or not! I have to admit that it is a challenge for us all to be ready, out the door and on time each week! The struggle is real.

This does not mean that I shouldn’t try to get better and help my little ones learn the importance of taking responsibility, being organised and making the most of their time. Rather, I should use this as a teachable moment to set a GRIT goal and work towards reaching a deadline whilst making the most of the time we have together.

Our first Primary School Agreement – we put God first – is a priority in every classroom. As a Christian School, we have set the first 10 minutes of every day for Devotions – a time to gather, to worship, to reflect on God’s word and to pray as a class. 

These 10 minutes are sacred and important as we hold a fundamental belief that when we honour God above all things – our learning, our relationship and our play - we can draw encouragement and strength from Him, and better face the experiences, the joys and the challenges, in each day. A lot can happen in 10 minutes – community strengthened, appreciation developed, and culture shaped. 

Maybe like me, a GRIT goal for your family this term could be to have your children at school before 8.30am, ready to engage in morning Devotions each day. Let’s work together on this, giving the little people in our care the best start to their day possible and encourage them to develop their GRIT and resilience as they give their best in all things this term, making the most of every moment every day.