From the Principal

Dreaming Big: Take the risk! 

I often reflect on how blessed we are to live and learn in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. As a fairly young school in a comparatively young community, Good News Lutheran College is surrounded by opportunity. Growth brings energy, new ideas, and the chance to shape something special — together. 

At Good News, we regularly ask how we can best serve and strengthen our community.  We aspire to be the best, not necessarily the oldest or the most established, but the most courageous, compassionate, and forward-looking in all we do. 

When we dream big, we ask ourselves: 

• What is our current place or situation? 
• Where do our dreams fit, and how do they impact the community around us? 
• How do we support each other to achieve great things? 
• What obligations do we hold when setting our goals? 
• How do we keep pursuing our dreams when challenges appear? 

Achieving our dreams can feel a bit like completing a jigsaw puzzle. Each piece, each effort, conversation, and decision plays its part in creating something meaningful. Along the way, we learn some valuable lessons: 

1. Don’t force a fit. When something is meant to be, it will come together naturally. 
2. When things aren’t going so well, take a break; everything looks different with a fresh perspective. 
3. Keep sight of the big picture. Focusing too much on one small piece can lead to frustration. 
4. Perseverance pays off. Great things come together bit by bit. 
5. When one approach doesn’t work, try another, but always return to your goal. 
6. The Creator gave us the ultimate guidebook, the Bible. Refer to it often. 
7. Variety is the spice of life. The different colours and patterns make the puzzle beautiful. 
8. Working together makes any challenge more enjoyable. 
9. Boundaries and values give structure, clarity, and confidence. 
10. Be open to surprises. Some of the best matches come from unexpected combinations. 
11. Celebrate progress, even small wins. 
12. Anything worthwhile takes time and patience. 
13. When the final piece fits, rejoice. Take pride in the masterpiece you’ve created. 

Our college value of Courage reminds us to be brave in facing the unknown, to try new things, and to step forward even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. This aligns beautifully with the IB Learner Profile attribute of being a Risk-Taker. Someone who approaches uncertainty with thoughtfulness and determination, who explores new ideas and innovative strategies, and who stands by their convictions. In every dream we pursue and every puzzle we build, may we show courage to begin, to persist, and to trust that God is guiding the process. 

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  – Joshua 1:9 

As we continue to dream big at Good News, may we have the courage to take risks, the wisdom to see the bigger picture, and the faith to believe that God is fitting all the pieces together perfectly.