As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on all that God has done in our community. What a beautiful year it has been, filled with learning, laughter, courage and grace. Each classroom has been its own story, filled with moments of growth and joy as our students have discovered new things about God’s world and their place within it.
This week’s Celebration Nights were the perfect finale. What a joy it was to see our students take to the stage, voices lifted, hearts shining and smiles as bright as the lights around them. Every performance was a reflection of their creativity, teamwork and perseverance throughout the year. As parents, grandparents and families filled the space at Encore, there was a shared sense of wonder and gratitude, not only for what our children have achieved, but for the way they have grown in character and faith.
At Christmas, we are reminded of another night filled with light and song, when shepherds and angels gathered around the manger to worship the newborn King. Just as they celebrated the birth of Jesus, we too pause to celebrate the One who brings us hope, peace, and joy. His coming reminds us that every child’s gift, every parent’s prayer, and every teacher’s effort find its true meaning in Him.
We give thanks for a faithful God who has guided us through another year at Heathdale, for our dedicated staff and leaders who have served with passion and love, and for our families who continue to partner with us in shaping hearts and minds for Christ.
As we look toward Christmas Day, may we, like those gathered around the manger, lift our eyes to the One who came to bring light into the world. What a privilege it is to be part of His story - part of His world.
The poem I shared at this year’s Celebration Nights is an adaption of a very well-known and loved song. I leave it with you as we tie up the school year together!
Look at this year, wasn’t it neat?
Wouldn’t you think our journey’s complete?
Wouldn’t you think we’ve been blessed,
Blessed with everything?
Look at this school, treasures untold,
Stories of kindness and courage unfold.
Looking around here you’d think,
Sure, God’s done everything.
We’ve got teachers and leaders aplenty,
We’ve got students and families galore!
You want prayer teams and helpers? We’ve got twenty!
But who cares? We’re not done — We want more!
We wanna be where the students are,
We wanna hear, wanna hear their voices,
Walking together through joy and tears,
Each heart a part of God’s choices.
Sharing the hope,
Sharing His light,
Walking with Jesus through each silent night.
Wondering still, Grateful we’ll be, Part of His world.
What would we give, to truly live,
In peace and wonder?
What would we bring, to honour the King,
Born in a manger?
Angels proclaimed, shepherds drew near,
Heaven rejoiced — the Saviour is here!
Wrapped in love, humble and giving,
Guiding our hands.
And ready to go where His people go,
Ask Him our questions, seek His answers.
What is His love?
And why does it —
(what’s the word?)
— Shine?
When it’s our turn,
Wouldn’t we love,
Love to reflect His truth above all?
Here where we teach,
Here where we serve,
Here where His Kingdom is opened...
Grateful we are,
Honoured to be,
Part of His world.