From the Principal

Practising 'Strange Hospitality'

I had the privilege of attending two CEN conferences towards the end of this term. One was for principals and school leaders and one was for board directors. One of the big themes that resonated with me dovetails beautifully with this time of year as we prepare for Easter.

At the Last Supper, was Jesus sat with his closest friends and disciples celebrating and foreshadowing what was to come in the Easter story. This powerful part of the scriptures was discussed at the conference in light of two questions:

How do we share the table?
Who do we share the table within Christian schooling?

One of the speakers, Dr Matthew Kaemingk, talked about Strange Hospitality. When we break bread together, usually gathered around a table, there is a deep and special exchange of ideas and life experiences. As Christian schools we need to be conscious about who is sitting at that table with us.

To take the analogy further, Matthew said that our 'house' needs to have strong walls before we invite people in – that is, to understand what we believe, what's important, our culture, and our context. From this sturdy foundation, we can exercise an 'open door', to invite people in to sit at the table.

How do you do that in a world that is in some ways wanting to come and change the table, not just be present at the table?

This is a question we will continue to grapple with and as Christian schools, we must be intentional. It's the 'strange hospitality' Matthew spoke about: remaining curious and invitational, while also being equipped for good conversations, good at listening and great at sharing ideas. We're looking at how Christian schools do that in a world that's very judgemental and even opposed to Christian theology and outlook, and Matthew's other analogy was to point out that people will likewise either put up walls or open doors.

The learning came with as much encouragement as warning and in this way, the conference didn't teach me how to be a better principal. It cut much deeper to theological thinking and ongoing conversations around the intersection of Christian schooling and the world.

Hospitality at Easter – in the Community

A Seat at the Table: Finding Meaning in the Last Supper This Easter

As the first term draws to a close, and Easter is soon to be upon us I wanted to share a few brief thoughts on the events of that final week of Jesus’s life. For me, the Last Supper holds a particularly poignant place in the events of Easter. It wasn't simply a final meal shared among friends; it was a powerful act of love and sacrifice as it pointed to the fulfillment of the new covenant in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross.

The Last Supper was a moment of deep humility, as Jesus, the teacher and Lord, knelt to wash his disciples' feet, demonstrating the importance of service and love for one another.

Imagine that intimate gathering: Jesus, knowing what lay ahead, sharing bread and wine with his disciples. In breaking the bread, he declared, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:24). Similarly, offering the cup, he said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Its relevance of the last supper should not be lost in our busy lives, often filled with distraction and self-interest. The Last Supper calls us back to the table – a place of unity, remembrance, and selfless love. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice made for us and challenges us to extend that same grace and compassion to those around us. Whether we gather around a family meal or participate in communion, we are invited to remember, to reflect on the depth of God’s love, and to live out the commandment to love one another.

May the spirit of unity, sacrifice, and love fill your hearts this Easter. Wishing you all a blessed and joyful Easter, filled with hope and new beginnings.

In Christ,

Stuart Kent

Principal

Launceston Christian School