Secondary School

On this page:  The Long Arm of Encouragement / Parent Information Evening 

Upcoming Key Events

The Long Arm of Encouragement 

I made quite a unique memory that will haunt me for a long time these holidays. It is funny how the sense of smell is so very powerful for evoking memories and I learnt this in a whole new way this Christmas. I bought fresh prawns, quite a few of them, and they were delicious; peeled with just the tails left on so your hands don’t get too messy and they still look ‘prawnish’ in the Christmas day entree. 

The prawns were all good and safe in the fridge, but when I opened my boot two days later to put something in it, it was evident that some part of something very fishy and disgusting had remained in my boot. The container of prawns had leaked prawn juices and a sizable amount of liquid was pooled under the boot mat, festering in a putrid gas of vileness.

I now understand the old Ocker idiom of being ‘off like a bucket of prawns in the midday sun.’ Although I immediately removed the offending liquid, the stink had permeated into the upholstery of my car and the two children’s car seats that were in there. As much as I washed it, it was still there, lingering like a bad omen. The stink loitered and air fresheners were not potent enough to remove the smell. And worst of all it reminded me of our honeymoon, many years ago, when ‘friends’ placed fish on our car’s manifold, which we laughed at and removed. But the smell persisted, 10 days and a terse phone call later, we discovered the extra fish parcels. They were flyblown and inside our central console and under my seat. Needless to say the smell was embellished by maggots.  I have forgiven the main protagonist, but the memory was there once again in the prawn juice fiasco. So long for encouraging us in our newly married lives together, these friends created an association of rotten fish with our honeymoon.

Although this is funny now, and the memory of our honeymoon fishy tale is too, it brought me to mind the power of memory and how I have been encouraged in my past, not just disgusted. There is one particular minister, I am from a Church of Christ background, who I had in my early teenage years who was instrumental through her encouragement of me, and I only have really recognised or realised this now.

Norma Hall was quietly spoken in my memory and she organised a young woman’s Bible study after school one night of the week for a term or so. It was a small group of girls from memory. I can remember attending, but not really thinking much more about it. I was in Year 8! In my research, with the help of my mother-in-law, I found a quote from Norma after her time as our minister finished, she said: 

‘This surely is what Paul meant when he wrote of building up the body of Christ. It is easy to criticise, to pull down, to destroy and how Satan enjoys such behaviour in the church! Our whole purpose in the life of the church must ever be to build up one another, and to encourage one another.’

Now, I can see the significant impact this time with her had on me and what she said and represented for me in the life of the church. She encouraged me to take part and to be included in the life of the church in meaningful ways. Trust was given to me, and trust is built by actions and how people behave. Norma Hall was dignified and had integrity, and most importantly of all, she trusted us and encouraged us young girls to be part of the mission of Jesus, as he says in John 13: 34 - 35:

‘A new command: love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This Is how everyone will recognise that you are my disciples - when they see the love you have for one another.’ (The Message)

Our mission is to be a community of people who participate in God’s mission to heal the world by re-establishing his loving reign. And she believed we could be part of that. Norma’s encouragement is based on the idea that people, especially teenagers and children, don’t typically look to written codes for clues about how to behave, they look to others. Her example was one of encouragement and confidence which was powerful and reflects what Paul wrote in Thessalonians:

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Paul urges Christians to live in a way that reflects their hope and the strength they find in God. "Encourage one another" is Paul calling the believers to actively lift each other up, especially when facing challenges or hardships. The part of this verse in Thessalonians to "Build each other up" is a great illustration of what Norma did for me. It is a good example of how kind encouragement was an act of strengthening and supporting me spiritually and relationally. Offering help and encouragement fosters unity in Christ.

I think we all may be facing a number of anxiety-inducing stressful situations this year, as we do most years, with a touch of building work happening to add to the mix at Emmaus. In essence, Paul’s message is one of mutual encouragement and spiritual growth within the Christian community, urging believers to be an ongoing source of support and encouragement for each other as they live out their faith. As Peter writes to the new church:

'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.’ 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

For God offers resources - this is more than what he puts in us, but also who he puts around us. We are to be encouraged and to encourage each other to always focus on being transformed into the very likeness of Christ. The great discovery in following Christ into his mission is that we find ourselves being continually formed to be like Jesus. 

And finally in Hebrews chapter 10:

‘So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.’ Hebrews 10:24-25 (The Message)

Our words and actions can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Andrea Grear

Principal, Secondary - South Plympton

Parent Information Evening 

Wednesday 19 February, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Emmaus Performing Arts Centre (EPAC)

This night will be a great opportunity to connect with your child’s Home Group teacher, meet other families within that class and hear about year-level relevant information and supports in place for students. 

After a short introduction in the EPAC, parents will move to elective sessions including 

a Year 7 Home Group Session, Year 8 Home Group Session, Year 9 Rite Journey introduction and a SACE information session for Years 10-12. 

We look forward to connecting with you in person and for a wonderful year of learning, growth and community in 2025!