Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

I recently had the absolute privilege of sitting down to interview our primary leadership candidates. I must admit, I went in expecting to hear manifestos on playground rule changes and the need for more dry spaces to play. Whilst that was of course part of what was important, I was instead humbled and inspired by the simple, beautiful wisdom that came from their hearts.

When asked what they value most about our school, they didn't talk about facilities or achievements, they spoke about how they love that their school is full of friends who are kind, help one another, and enjoy having fun together.

Listening to them, it struck me that these young leaders have already grasped the very heartbeat of our community. Their celebration of kindness highlighted the outworking of one of the foundational elements of our school community: providing a source of enduring hope.

When we proactively care for one another, taking the time to check in, share a laugh, or lend a helping hand we intentionally foster a culture that is a supportive safety net that catches people before they fall. When we prioritise this daily care and connection we don't have to reactively respond to the emotional, spiritual, or physical 'illnesses' that so often plague our world now. It is much easier to invest in our wellbeing now, before we are forced to care for an illness later.

When we experience this kind of care an inherent sense of value and belonging builds that fosters a deep sense of hope in our students and ourselves. In this environment we begin to have hope for one another, hope to overcome, hope for our futures.

However, as wonderful and supportive as our school community can be, it is important to acknowledge that our human effort alone will always have its limits. If this hope is going to last through the inevitable storms and busy seasons of life, it has to come from a deeper well that doesn’t run dry, especially in Term 4!

Our ultimate source of hope must come from the never-ending well-spring that is knowing and walking with Jesus. His time on earth perfectly modelled proactive care as he left his own comfort and security and stepped into our world to heal, serve, and unite us. (Philippians 2 shares this truth and its impact on us beautifully for those who want some homework.) When we anchor our kindness in His humility, love and grace, our hope becomes resilient and unshakeable, empowering us to truly love our neighbours as ourselves.

As we move through this next fortnight, I encourage you to take a page out of our primary students’ playbook. Let us lean into being thankful for the kindness of those around us and the hope it brings; let us take the opportunities we are presented with to mirror Jesus’ kindness to others in our community as we walk this journey of faith and hope together.

Good Tidings,

Jonno

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