Principal's Ponderings

Wholehearted: Beginning 2026 Together

Welcome back to a brand-new school year at Devonport Christian School. Whether you are returning after the summer break or joining our community for the first time, it is a joy to begin 2026 together.

There is something deeply special about a new year. It holds excitement, fresh beginnings, and the quiet hope that God will do something new in us and through us. This year is especially significant as we continue life together as a Kinder to Year 10 school, growing not just in size, but in faith, purpose, and unity.

We also recognise that for some in our community, this new year comes with grief, uncertainty, or significant challenges, and we want you to know you are seen, cared for, and not walking this season alone.

Our theme for 2026 is Wholehearted.

This is not a call to be perfect, busy, or overwhelmed. It is a gentle, intentional invitation to live with our whole hearts anchored in Jesus, in our learning, relationships, service, and everyday moments.

Jesus reminds us,

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” - Matthew 22:37.

And Paul encourages us,

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” - Colossians 3:23.

Wholehearted living means showing up with integrity when no one is watching, choosing kindness when it is inconvenient, and giving our best, not for recognition, but for the glory of God. It is about offering what we already do, fully and faithfully, to Him.

At DCS this year, Wholehearted will be lived out as we:

• Love wholeheartedly, reflecting the compassion and grace of Jesus

• Serve wholeheartedly, seeing service as worship

• Pursue excellence wholeheartedly, giving our best with humility

• Learn wholeheartedly, growing in wisdom, curiosity, and character

For our students, this means being encouraged to grow not only academically, but in faith and character. For families, it means partnering together in nurturing young people who are grounded, resilient, and Christ-centred. 

For our staff, it means teaching, caring, and leading with purpose and joy.

The promise from God is simple and powerful:

“If you seek God wholeheartedly, you will find God” (Jeremiah 29:13).

As we step into this year, may our community be known for hearts fully devoted to Jesus, lives lived with purpose, and a school culture that points clearly to Him.

Here’s to a year of learning, serving, loving, and growing — Wholehearted, for the glory of God.

Blessings as we begin this journey together,

Chad Smit