Wise words with...

Partnerships...

Batman and Robin, Romeo and Juliet, B1 and B2, Tom and Jerry, fish and chips …What do these things all have in common you may ask? 

They are great partners! Whether it be with food, action movies, great plays, or cartoons – these are partnerships that just work.

This reminds me of the partnership that we have here at Nowra Christian School. I’ve had the privilege of working here for 22 years (where did that time go?). Originally here as a parent, then a staff member, and now also as a grandparent with grandchildren at our school, I have seen that one of the great strengths of NCS is our desire to work in partnership with the families in our community.

The most important partnership of all is the one we share with God. Parenting and teaching are not easy tasks—we are called to shape young lives, guide them in truth, and point them towards Christ. That is far bigger than any of us can manage on our own. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5–6 to “trust in the Lord with all your heart… and He will make your paths straight.” As staff and parents, we rely on God’s wisdom and strength to do this well. When we invite Him into the centre of our homes, our classrooms, and our school, He equips us for this work and blesses the fruit of our efforts.

An integral part of partnership is effective communication. That works both ways. As staff, we value being informed of things that may impact your children’s ability to work well at school. It is important for us to communicate with you, when things are going well, and at times, when things are not. It is easier to have these conversations when all partners have the same aim – to help our children and young people grow in learning, faith, and character.

For a partnership to be effective, all parties need to be committed. In fact, we can think of it as a four-way partnership: parents, school, students—and God Himself. God is the foundation that holds this all together, enabling us to parent and teach with wisdom and grace.

We at school can put in place things to support, challenge and grow the children in our care. Parents can work with the school as a team, expecting the same standards, and encouraging their children to grow in obedience, respect and kindness. Our young people also have their part to play by being respectful, following expectations, and seeking to do their best as learners. Most importantly, when we together acknowledge our dependence on God and seek His help, this partnership is strong and effective.

If one partner steps back from their role, this affects the relationship, and ultimately our children miss out. But when each partner does their part, the result is powerful and life-giving.

So, we would like to say “Thank you” to the many parents and carers who are part of our NCS family. Thank you for trusting us with your children and young people. 

Please keep working with us in partnership, helping them to learn and grow. And most importantly, keep praying—for them, and for us—that together, with God’s help, we can continue this important work of shaping young lives for His purposes.