Principal

BEWARE MOBILE PHONES

Dear Friends

MOBILE PHONES and devices in bedrooms – BEWARE!

I was in a senior class earlier this year and noticed that many of the students were really tired – physically and emotionally. On questioning them, it was not their studies that were keeping them up at night, but their mobile phones! These students are keen to do well in their studies, they work hard and are amazing young people from beautiful families. Yet, they are messaging and tweeting at all hours of the night.

Please parents, make sure your child does not take their device (phone/computer/iPad) into their bedroom at night. Not only do you not know what they are doing on their device, but they are also lacking needed sleep for their wellbeing. They need their sleep to function well, to be able to concentrate and to achieve their expectations in their studies.

YOU ARE ALL INVITED – WEDNESDAY 14th August 7:30pm

Come along to our MPH facility and enjoy a wonderful evening that highlights the theme for this year at St Andrews Christian College: Jesus, the Light of the World. Not only will our own students be speaking and performing, but the night will feature an overseas speaker who is being persecuted for his faith. He is a Christian leader in education and will speak about education globally, and will also highlight his own life experience. For fear of persecution back in his country, I cannot give you his name.

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

The results of the recent election has given schools like ours a reprieve, in terms of the issue of Religious Freedom. The ongoing debate on Religious Freedom reveals the cultural thinking of our time and the changing values and moral compass in Australia.  Culture affects politics and it is our politicians who set the law.

It is in these times (when God’s truth is being abandoned) that we need to speak up in the public domain. But we speak, not in judgement, but only in God’s grace and love. We are all broken and the gospel is for everyone, whatever state we are in.

We need to position ourselves for reform and hold strong onto the right for parents to educate their child in a school of their faith. We need to stand firm on God’s Word and promises. We need to keep on being a school that is Christ-centred; where all experience the love of Jesus.

Jesus said

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.  You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.   In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:13-16  (NIV)

We are tempted to compromise from God’s  truth and often do so, because we want to be ‘nice’ and do what is popular. But it is our difference (our saltiness)  that makes the difference, not our sameness.

Let’s keep praying for each other and for St Andrews Christian College, that we can be bold and step out and be the salt and light in this world for Jesus.

“Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants

to speak your word with great boldness.”

Acts 4:29  (NIV)

Many blessings to you all,

Catriona