From the Principal
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew’s gospel is one that speaks to me on so many levels. The scene described by Matthew is one of complete chaos and fear, something all of us experience in our lifetime. The message behind story is one of how God is sometimes revealed through his hiddenness, especially when we are at a loss of what to do. In the narrative Jesus spoke from the waves to reassure his disciples. He said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Now in Greek the phrase, “It is I,” is literally “I AM.” So a better translation of these verses would be, “Do not fear, the I AM is here.” The metaphor of the calming of the seas reveals that if we believe that God is with us during those times of chaos and fear we can rest assured that he will take care of us, guide us and provide us with his love and grace. This is certainly something that has sustained and supported me through some of life’s ups and downs and I hope it gives our community some solace knowing that God is always walking beside us even though we may not recognise at the time.
Unleashing the Power of Creativity in Learning
As educators, we are called upon to be flexible, adaptable and most importantly creative in our approach to learning and teaching. We also value instilling creativity in our students. As we move our way through another exciting year of learning at Lakeside College, I wanted to take a moment to share with you the profound importance of creativity in education. In today's rapidly changing world, fostering creativity in learning is not just an option; it's a necessity. As your partner in education, we are committed to ensuring that our school continues to provide an environment where creativity can flourish and lead to enriched learning experiences for all our students.
It is often said that creativity is the spark that ignites innovation and drives progress. It empowers our students to think beyond the confines of textbooks and standardized tests, encouraging them to explore ideas, ask questions, and find unique solutions to complex problems. When students are encouraged to be creative, they become more engaged and motivated learners. They develop the ability to approach challenges with an open mind, adapt to new situations, and think critically – characteristics that are so important as they face the challenges of a fast paced, globalised and changing world.
Incorporating creativity into the classroom isn't just about artistic expression; it's about cultivating skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. As students participate in creative activities, they develop skills such as communication, collaboration, flexibility and adaptability. These skills are highly valued by tertiary institutions, employers and in all aspects of life. When students are encouraged to express themselves creatively, they become more confident and better equipped to navigate an ever-evolving world.
At Lakeside College, we are committed to nurturing creativity across all subjects and year levels. Our teachers are dedicated to designing lessons that encourage students to think imaginatively, connect concepts, and explore their passions. Whether it's through project-based learning, art, music, drama, or even scientific experiments, we strive to provide opportunities for our students to express themselves and discover new perspectives.
I encourage parents and guardians to support and embrace creativity at home as well. Encourage your children to pursue hobbies, engage in imaginative play, and explore their interests beyond the classroom. Allow them the freedom to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. By fostering a creative mindset, you'll be equipping your children with invaluable skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
As we move forward, I invite you to join us in celebrating creativity in education. Attend our school events, exhibitions and performances that showcase the remarkable talents of our students. Let's work together to create an environment where curiosity is celebrated, and all student's unique abilities are recognized and nurtured.
In closing, I want to express my unwavering belief in the power of creativity to transform education and shape the future. Let us embark on this academic year with enthusiasm, innovation and a commitment to fostering creativity in every aspect of our students' learning journey.
Wishing you a creative and successful rest of the year!
Blessings
Robert Tassoni
Principal