Dear families,

I’ve been making an effort to get up early a few times a week to exercise, but to be honest, I don’t really enjoy it. However, one of the nice perks is getting to watch the sunrise. It’s incredible how creation itself proclaims the wonder of God—the sky shifting in color, the light stretching across the horizon, and the quiet stillness. Personally, I always feel a deep sense of peace when I witness it.

A sunrise is a beautiful reminder of transformation. It speaks of change, renewal, and, most of all, hope—hope in the new day ahead and in the promise of what is yet to come.

Jesus often used the imagery of nature to illustrate spiritual truths. One of His parables speaks of a sower scattering seeds, reminding us that growth happens when seeds are nurtured in good soil. In the same way, all of us are constantly planting seeds of faith, of encouragement, of kindness, of opportunity. But for these seeds to flourish, they need care and attention. When we cultivate the right environment; one of love, faith, and perseverance, we create space for transformation to take root.

As a school community, we all play a part in this. The seeds we plant today will shape the future—through our ideas, our initiatives, and the way we support and encourage one another. Some seeds may grow quickly, while others take time. But when we work together, nurturing these seeds with wisdom and faith, we allow them to flourish in ways that bless not only our school but the lives of every student and family here.

We want our students to experience a life filled with hope, purpose, and transformation. As educators, parents, and mentors, our role is to help each child recognise their God-given potential, encourage them to step forward in faith, and equip them to be lights in the world.

Light is a powerful image in itself. Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, shining in a way that brings hope, truth, and love to those around us. Just like a sunrise paints the sky with ever-changing beauty, may our light be one of depth, transformation, warmth, and invitation. Let our light shine so that others may glorify our Father in heaven. For me, these are some of the conversations I’ve had with our students, and I’d love for you to echo them at home.

Shifting Our Mindset: From Judgment to Curiosity

How do we see the world around us? Are we looking at things from a place of judgment or from a place of curiosity? It’s easy to say, “I don’t like how that person does this or that,” but a better approach is to ask, “I wonder why they do it that way?”

I recently spoke with some of our students about this, using the example of food. Instead of saying, “That’s a weird thing to have for lunch,” we can shift our thinking to, “That’s interesting! I wonder what makes that a favorite for them?”

This small mindset shift—from judgment to curiosity—can change the way we engage with the world and with others.

One of the realities of being a principal is that I often have to have difficult conversations, and I always try to approach them with curiosity rather than assumption (I don’t always get it right). Instead of going in with a mindset of critique, I lean in and say, “Help me understand this. I’m curious about why this is happening.” This openness allows for better conversations, deeper understanding, and stronger relationships. Jumping to conclusions about motives rarely ends well.

The Energy We Bring

What kind of energy do we bring into our conversations and interactions? I don’t want to be someone who drains the room, but rather someone who uplifts it. We are called to bring life, encouragement, and hope to those around us, not negativity or darkness. I reminded some students recently, after a small conflict, of this important truth.We can be the change in the world around us; we don’t have to wait for someone else. I often hear things like, ‘I don’t like the way this is’ or ‘that needs to change.’ It’s true that change is possible. The goodness of God is already at work, and He calls us to be carriers of that light wherever we go.

This year, I encourage us all to be intentional in the seeds we sow and the light we share. May we continue to nurture and build this incredible community together, keeping our eyes fixed on the hope and promise found in Christ and the transforming power of Christian Education. Every year, former students email the school with letters, expressing how grateful they are for the school’s role in their lives, the seeds planted, and the light that was shown by staff, parents, and fellow students—along with how Jesus has worked through various circumstances. Three of our teachers—Mrs. Warda, Mrs. Davila, and Miss Gomez—all had this experience, which is why they want to teach here: to be the light for the next generation of HPCS students.

That is not to say the school is perfect. The pursuit of excellence is always a journey. I’ve said this before: pedagogy, facilities, and even people will change, but it is the unchanging nature of a faith-based community, where we all work together, that makes our school special. I want to encourage all of our students, parents, and staff: how can you be a blessing to someone in our school community this year as we walk together?

My door is always open.

Mr Joe Britton

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