From the Acting Principal 

"Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need."

Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures

Friday Assemblies at Huntingtower are formal and respectful occasions. They consist of a Hymn, Prayer, Principal’s address and student reflection, along with any other awards or announcements that need to be made. They have followed this format for as long as I have been at Huntingtower, which is close to twenty years.

The aim of the Principal’s address is to offer a reflection on how to live a purposeful and meaningful life. At times wise philosophers, current leaders and scholars are cited, though I wonder just how readily our current students relate to the worlds these figures inhabit. With this in mind, last week I thought I would reference a text more in tune with their generation: Harry Potter.

This seven volume set is the best selling fantasy series of all time. The books have been translated in 80 different languages and every book made the US Today bestseller list. They have captured the imagination of millions of people. 

Meaning can be found in all areas of life and the parts we are drawn to often hold valuable insights. They resonate with us for a reason. While enchanting, the world of Harry Potter is more than wizards, wands, potions and spells.

Dumbledore’s advice that 'Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times', reminds us to always look for the good. He also cautions that 'It does not do to dwell on dreams', that we must live in the here and now. It is our choices, not our abilities that define us. That we should not accept limitations as we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.

When Sirius Black observes 'We've all got both light and dark inside us', he is suggesting that this is a battle, but the part you focus on more will succeed.

Similarly, Lupin’s warning that 'It is the quality of one’s convictions that determines success', tells us to stand true to our beliefs. To know thy true self and hold steadfast.

Finally, Dumbledore’s advice to Harry – "do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love" – is a profound truth. A life without love is a sad one, for love should be abundant and limitless, freely given and received by all.

As Paul writes in his letters to the Corinthians:

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."

What a barren life it would be if we did not have the love of each other, our friends, family and community. Let us continue to celebrate these sentiments and remain cognisant to the different forms they can take. That there is warmth and compassion all around us,  ‘if only we remember to turn on the light’.

Mrs Shan Christensen

Acting Principal