The New Kid (Belonging) 

As a new staff member, arriving into a new community isn't too dissimilar from attending high school for the first time as a student. You arrive with butterflies, legs a little wobbly and you start to wonder whether you're heading in the right direction to class or Reception. 

Then there are the stares! People wonder why someone new is walking through the school yard. Now fortunately on most occasions, you arrive safely at your destination, no slips, no coffee spilled on your new white shirt, the question now becomes; what will the first interaction with colleagues or peers be like? What if I say something silly in my meeting or in my first class? 

Whether a staff member or a student, those first interactions with your new environment is crucial. It speaks volumes about how you filter future interactions and how you convey to others your impressions. 

I remember as a young man, 15 years of age, getting my first job at McDonalds. Printed and posted next to the sign in the station was a quote that will stay with me forever; “You only have one chance to make a good first impression.” 

So what was my first impression of Belgrave Heights Christian School? For me, being welcomed so openly and seeing the way students accept and welcome others who are new to their community has revealed to me that BHCS not only has many great things going for it on the outside, but at its core is a culture of belonging.

A sense of belonging measures a student’s perception of being accepted, valued and included in their school setting by their peers and others in the school. A student’s sense of belonging is influenced by a complex set of relationships with peers, teachers and families' engagement with the school. 

Research in the area of belonging has shown positive outcomes for students’ academic achievement and wellbeing. Research suggests that students with a positive sense of belonging are more likely to stay in school longer, have less absenteeism and higher academic outcomes. Students who have a high sense of belonging in school generally put in more effort and are more motivated at school. 

As a missional Christian school our desire is that each member of our community firstly feels they belong. It's in this environment of belonging that individuals feel safe to explore who they are and who they have been called to become. This transformational journey demands an environment of belonging so that errors can be corrected in love, discipline can be accepted as an opportunity to grow and teamwork ensures that no-one is left behind. 

Romans 15:5-7, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”

I am reminded in scripture of the need for us to firstly welcome others as Christ has welcomed us with open arms to be in right standing with him. Christ did not come to judge first and critique and ensure all things were in order before people were welcomed, He showed compassion and care to listen and show love to those around Him. Through this, Christ began a work in each of us, a journey of transformation.

I am truly excited for my journey here at Belgrave Heights and my desire is to see all students express their sense of belonging through acts of courage, openness and vulnerability and with a smile and laughter that is genuine and true.