Principal's Ponderings

Anchored in Hope

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” – Hebrews 6:19

Hope is a powerful thing. In a world full of uncertainties, economies shift, relationships are strained, and our children face pressures we never imagined, hope is what steadies us. Not a vague wish or optimism but the deep, unshakeable hope found in Jesus. This hope, Hebrews tells us, is an anchor for the soul. Firm. Secure.

As a Christian school community, our calling is not just to teach curriculum, it is to build lives anchored in the truth and love of Christ. For our children, this means we help them develop resilience not by pretending life is easy, but by pointing them toward the One who never changes. Jesus, our Living Hope, gives stability when emotions swirl, friendships falter, or school feels overwhelming.

For us as parents, educators and carers, anchoring our hearts in hope is just as vital. There are days when parenting feels like sailing through a storm, unsure of what may be ahead. We second-guess our decisions, carry the weight of our children’s futures, and sometimes feel like we ourselves are drifting. But in Christ, we are never without an anchor. He is present in the wind and waves, steadying us with promises that cannot be broken.

One of the most hope-filled things we can do as a school and family partnership is to keep reminding our children that their identity is not in their grades, achievements, or popularity. (Especially at this time when reports are being discussed). It is in being God’s beloved. When children know they are securely loved by God, they can face disappointment and challenge without falling apart. That is the power of anchored hope.

We encourage our school community this term to make space for hope. Whether it is a morning prayer over breakfast, reading a Psalm at bedtime, or sharing moments of thanksgiving at the dinner table, these practices drop anchors of truth into our daily lives.

We also invite you to partner with us in encouraging one another. Speak hope into your child’s heart. Speak life into a fellow parent. Let your words be like anchors, settling the souls around you, even in rough seas.

A favourite quote of mine is from Corrie ten Boom, who suffered deeply, yet held fast to faith:

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future, to a known God.”

That’s what we model here at DCS. We trust the One who holds all things together and place our hope, not in perfection, not in performance but in His faithful love.

This week, may your heart be anchored deep in Him.

In grace and truth,

Chad Smit