Giving Thanks as the Year Draws to a Close

Psalm 90:17"May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands."

As we come to the end of another busy and full school year, we pause to give thanks for God’s kindness to our NCS community.  In this edition, we invite you to join us in praying for our students, families, and staff as they finish the term, navigate transitions, and prepare for what lies ahead. Thank you for standing with us in prayer, your partnership is a real blessing.

Year 9 – “Case for Christ”

Please pray for our Year 9 students as they finish the year by watching The Case for Christ (the true account of Lee Strobel’s investigation into Christianity):

• That students would be challenged by the historical claims of Christianity—especially the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• That the worksheets will prompt helpful thinking and discussion.
• That Christian students would grow in assurance of the gospel’s reliability and be encouraged to share their faith with others. 

Year 8 – The Beatitudes

As Year 8 students complete their module on the Beatitudes, please pray:

• That they are reminded of Jesus’ saving grace.
• That they would be encouraged to live the radical life described in Matthew’s Gospel.

Year 12 – Completion of HSC

• We give thanks to God for our Year 12 students, who have successfully completed all of their final examinations.
• For Believers: Pray that those who have placed their faith in Jesus would remain steadfast and unwavering in their convictions as they step out into the world.
• For Non-Believers: Pray that God would continue to intentionally place loving Christians in their path, reminding them of the truth and love of Jesus they experienced and learned about throughout their time at NCS. 

Year 10 - Completion of Studies

• Give thanks to God for our Year 10 students, who have completed their final school examinations.
• For Those Leaving: Pray for students moving on from NCS, asking that they will hold fast to the foundational truths and love of Jesus they have learned during their time here.
• For Senior Studies: Pray for those who have already commenced their senior studies, asking for God’s guidance, focus, and strength as they navigate the challenging final stage of their high school journey.

Incoming School Leaders

Please pray for our 2026 Leaders:

High School: Chloe Cochrane, Kent Ellery, Zara Hustwit, Evy McPhail, Tyler O’Reilly, Lottie Rebel

Primary School: Audrey Menzies, Eden Huisman, Theodore Harding, Jack Blunt

• Pray for wisdom, humility and strength as they prepare to serve our school community.

NCS Counselling Service

Praise God for our counselling team, who have supported more than 85 students and families this year:

• Give thanks for the positive impact on student wellbeing and learning.
• Pray for students and families facing difficult situations.
• Pray for continued wisdom, strength and encouragement for our counsellors.

Thanksgiving Night – Chaplaincy

Please pray for our Chaplains as they prepare their final talk for Thanksgiving Night:

• That the good news of Jesus would be communicated clearly to a wide audience.
• That their message would bring honour to God on this important occasion.

New Kindergarten Families

Please pray for our 2026 Kindergarten families:

• That they would feel peace and confidence as their children begin school.
• That they would quickly form genuine, supportive connections within our community.
• For wisdom for staff and Christian families as they nurture and support these new students.

Praise – Safe Arrival

• Praise God for the safe arrival of baby Teddy Clarke to Mr Clarke and his wife Danielle.
• Give thanks for answered prayer regarding Teddy’s health and protection during his birth.

Planning for 2026 – New Gospel Theme

As planning begins for our 2026 focus on a gospel, please pray:

• That devotions and talks will work together meaningfully.
• That students and staff remain engaged and centred on Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

 Christmas Holiday Prayers

• Pray for safety and protection for our school community as many travel over the holidays.
• Pray for a restful and joyful break for all students, families, and staff.
• Most importantly, pray that we all draw closer to God during this season.
• Pray for those who do not yet know Jesus within our community, that their hearts would be softened, their eyes opened, and they’d be touched by His great love through the Christmas story. 

We have been deeply encouraged by the commitment of every individual who has partnered with us in prayer for the school this year. Thank you. We truly value this partnership, recognising that we are fellow workers in God's ongoing work for these students. As we enter the Christmas season, our prayer is that you experience the abundant peace and joy of Christ's birth. We wish you a restful and blessed holiday break.