From the Director of Innovative Pedagogies

Have Life and Have it to the Full

Today we mark two special occasions on our calendar. One is Presentation Day and the other is the closest school day to Christmas. 

This afternoon we close the door on classrooms for a number of weeks, we close the school uniforms and workwear and turn off morning alarms. Holidays are beginning and we are able to spend time in ways we find personally satisfying, rewarding and meaningful. For some it will be collapsing to watch the summer of cricket, read or take mid-afternoon sleeps. For others it will be more active with sports and activities continuing. Personally, with two daughters under five years old we will still be having early mornings, bike riding lessons and craft time. I’ll squeeze in some time at the beach, but will also be completing some light renovations at home.

The last day of school is of course marked by Presentation Day which celebrates effort, achievement and growth. Students are recognised for their participation, and it serves as a reminder that we are a long-standing community who are united by aspiration, purpose and calling. Students receive awards named after significant people in the school community, as well as from their teachers and Heads of Department. Students with musical talents are able to show off their skills in front of an audience, demonstrating the breadth of skills and interests across the school.

I mention the start of the holidays and Presentation Day under the broad banner of Jesus’ words in John 10:10: ‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.’ These words ring particularly true today as we recognise two very different sides of life: The awards as recognition for academia, study, effort, grit, determination, resilience and accountability. Also, holidays with rest, rejuvenation and recreation. Jesus’ words of ‘life to the fullest’ encapsulate both these things. 

A full and abundant life is not about only study or only recreation. A full and abundant life is a balance of all that is out there in ways that are personal and reflect an individual’s circumstances and situation. What it means to relax will be different to each of us. Success in study and work will be different for many of us. As we mark the end of the year and the day closest to Christmas I hope you can reflect on Jesus’ words in John’s gospel: He came at Christmas to a manger in Bethlehem so that all people, past, present and future can have life and have it to the fullest. 

Merry Christmas, I hope it is a wonderful break. See you in the new year. 

Christopher Sanders

Director of Innovative Pedagogies