Editorial

It has been a great privilege and joy to serve as Director of Christian Formation over the past term. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our students, staff and parents to cultivate a culture where the good news of Jesus informs all we do, not just in the formal learning spaces, but in the rhythms and relationships of daily life.

Christian formation is, at its heart, the slow and sacred work of becoming more like Christ. It’s not merely about what we know but how we live – how our character, choices and community reflect God’s heart. It’s about knowing and responding to our loving God who shapes us, through His Spirit and Word, to walk with Him and live out His purposes for our lives.

My role has afforded me the wonderful opportunity of seeing our community pursuing this. I’ve seen students in the secondary school form a prayer and bible study group, gather for worship over lunch times, participate in service to their peers, and raise funds for Vanuatu after the December earthquake. In the Primary School I’ve fielded many a thoughtful faith question, both in class and in the playground, and have heard how Grade 5s are gathering for prayer every week. There’s even a Junior Years “Praise Pals” worship club about to launch!

I’m excited by these and other such experiences as it reflects a culture-shift, where students are feeling increasingly confident to explore faith and pursue their love for Jesus. I believe that there’s something very special happening across the college, where God is actively at work transforming lives and releasing deep blessing. A teacher new to our staff team recently shared, “I could feel the Holy Spirit as I walked into this place”, and I have felt the same.

A further expression of God’s goodness was seen this week in the commencement of our new College Chaplain, Isaac Addison. Isaac brings great energy to his role and has a deep love for Jesus, along with significant experience of working with young people. Married to Bec and father of 14-month-old Isla, he is committed to walking alongside all students, no matter their background, such that they feel supported and valued in their journey throughout their school years. I’m excited for how God will use Him to bless and build up our college community in the years to come.

As we prepare for Easter in just a few weeks’ time, it’s worth pausing to consider what this season means to for us not only as individuals, but as a school shaped by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Easter reminds us that at the centre of the Christian faith is a cross and an empty tomb. That Jesus willingly entered the depths of suffering to bring about redemption, healing, and new life. That in Him, death does not have the final word.

There is a line in the Gospel of John that has stayed with me in recent days: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5) It’s a powerful reminder that Christ’s resurrection is not only an event in history – it is a hope that continues to shine into our present reality. Into the pressures students feel. Into the weariness some may carry. Into our joys and celebrations. Into our doubts and questions. 

In this season, may we all be reminded that the story we live in is one of resurrection. That even when the path ahead feels uncertain or challenging, God is still writing a story of grace, renewal, and transformation.

God is present and at work in His love and resurrection power throughout our College, through all the ways I’ve shared and in many, many more.  May the hope of Easter strengthen and inspire us as we move forward into the rest of the year – walking together as a community shaped, ever more deeply, by the love and truth of Jesus.

Craig Ogden

Director of Christian Formation