From time to time, I am quizzed about why a particular effort by a student, or group of students, is not more publicly celebrated, showcased as evidence as to why families should choose this school for their children. It’s a good question and it’s worthy of fuller investigation.

Just this term we've seen some amazing feats of athletic ability, and two of our senior students are nationally rated in their chosen sport and competed at that level recently.

So, too, it is important to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of our Secondary cross country and our Primary track and field teams – their achievements show what it is to perform at the peak of how God has gifted each athlete.

The last few weeks has also seen some remarkable musical events take place, too. Monday’s Jazz Night in the Community Hub was the biggest ever; a tradition rebirthed in a new venue was mind-blowingly good.

Our ensembles have competed at state level competitions and achieved gold medals - read more later in this newsletter.

Each week we are blessed by our students – their endeavours highlight their talents and their obedient response to the gifting that God has given them, each uniquely, for use in the service of others. Big or small, their achievements give testimony to God’s goodness.

Each week we are blessed by our staff – in their roles as facilitators and mentors to our students, their role in pointing the students towards the best expression of using their gifts reaps outstanding achievements for us to enjoy and celebrate.

Each week we are blessed by our parents – the level of support for their children, in terms of their education, their weekly activities and in being their cheer squads – this builds lasting memories and is fantastic modelling for their children to see. The words of encouragement go a long, long way. It is character forming and resilience building.

We cheer on our champions, in every arena of school life. Not because of their “gold-medal” (or equivalent) achievements, but because of the way they meet their success in a godly way.

Our champions are those that:

Stand strong - holding fast to the truth of our Heavenly Father that was revealed through Jesus Christ even in the face of challenges, attacks, criticisms, and sufferings:

"Now behold, I have made you today as a fortified city and as a pillar of iron and as walls of bronze against the whole land, to the kings of Judah, to its princes, to its priests, and to the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they will not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver you," declares the LORD.

Jeremiah 1:18-19

Step Up – when they initiate, act, and assume that the job they see needs doing and this is their moment to do it:

Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the LORD do what is good in His sight.

2 Samuel 10:7,12

Speak Out - as well, they are courageous enough to stand for what is right, speaking the truth in love:

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give on account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.

1 Peter 3:15

Stay Humble - as Christians, we've been called to be vigilant against pride. A helpful way of approaching it is not to think less of yourself, but to think of yourself less:

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

1 Peter 5:5-6

Serve the King - they think first of God's Kingdom, His Glory, and His Righteousness. They live for a greater reward while maintaining hope in the eternal:

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Matthew 6:33

Shalom

Now and Then

'Act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with God'

Issue 6 · 19 Dec 2022

In this issue