The children are well into the swing of 2026 now, and having looked into every classroom, they are settled and working hard. It has been a joyful start, and the children are incredibly happy.
We are unashamed of the gospel of Christ at Heathdale, and we take teaching the children about Jesus seriously, also knowing how positively it influences their lives. This is why each morning from 8:30-8:50 am, in every Primary classroom, morning devotions occur. They are not an optional extra; they are foundational to who we are as a Christian school.
Research consistently shows that children who engage in spiritual practices demonstrate increased resilience, emotional regulation, and a stronger sense of meaning and belonging. Studies in child development note that spiritual rhythms can positively influence wellbeing, identity formation, and moral development. In other words, when children understand that their lives are anchored in something greater than themselves, they thrive.
Over the years at Heathdale, I have observed more than 300 classroom devotions, and each week I continue to visit one or two. I see teachers opening Scripture, guiding children to explore Biblical truth, encounter God’s character and extend their understanding of faith in practical ways. These moments build their Biblical literacy and help them to find their place in God’s story.
Beginning the day in God’s Word steadies hearts before learning begins. It frames the day with purpose. Scripture itself models the rhythm of intentional daily devotion. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7, God instructs His people to keep His commands on their hearts and to speak of them “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Faith formation was never meant to be occasional; it was to be woven into the daily pattern of life. The Psalms repeatedly speak of seeking God in the morning: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice” (Psalm 5:3), establishing the principle that the day begins by turning our attention to Him. Jesus Himself regularly withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35), modelling disciplined spiritual rhythms.
Morning devotions in our classrooms reflect this Biblical pattern: beginning the day anchored in God’s Word, shaping hearts before tasks and orienting minds toward truth before the noise of the world begins. Devotions shape not only what students know, but who they are becoming.
I kindly ask families to ensure children arrive before just 8:30am (staff are on duty from 8:10am). When students arrive late, they miss the spiritual foundation that frames their entire day. These twenty minutes matter deeply, and consistent punctuality helps your child fully participate in the life and formation of our school.
A note for Prep parents: This week sees the last of the Wednesday Prep rest days. Your children will be tired (as will you) with them doing a full week, so please pace yourselves. Guidelines say that at five years old, children are typically still needing 10+ hours of sleep, so a 7:00pm bedtime is perfect for fresh and happy children the next day. We are looking forward to them participating in full weeks at school.