As we close this first semester, I wanted to acknowledge the work of so many people who create the outstanding successes in culture and achievement that is the Melton campus of Heathdale Christian School.
In my previous newsletter, I mentioned the priority that we give to dignity in our community. For our students, this is reinforced in dynamic and specific ways.
The first is that they are ‘seen.’ By this I mean that they are more than acknowledged, though that is crucial. The notion of being ‘seen’ includes the vital element of being ‘known.’ If a child knows that we have appreciated their individual attributes they are aware that they are known, not just recognised. This is the first stage of establishing dignity. The power of this attribute is confirmed by the reflections of homeless people who note that the most soul destroying of all the sufferings that they endure is people not looking them in the eyes and ‘seeing’ them. No one should be invisible in community.
Dignity is also established through contribution. Students actively participate in the construction of our community values and programs. Whether they are making a contribution to a sporting team, a crochet club, an academic program, or a community service commitment, they are aware that is it themselves who are investing into the program. They are part of ‘us’ because they are active in the ‘us’ of our school. Our student leaders lead Belonging Day, school tours and assemblies because they are active within the life of the school.
Work is part of God’s design for people. Without work, we feel a loss of dignity. This semester has seen the staff and student leaders continue to emphasise the essential value of hard work. Whether that be in the classrooms or on the athletic track, or elsewhere. It is the nature of our effort, along with the effectiveness of our strategies, that make the difference in our success and progress.
Our academic repute continues. We continue to succeed in the athletics programs against larger and more established schools.
The school vacation brings an opportunity for rest from work. This relaxation is vital. God commands us to rest. We cannot achieve our spiritual, emotional or physical optimum if we are not taking care of ourselves. The lumberjack pauses to regain strength and to sharpen the axe. So must the disciple and the scholar.
I extend the best of wishes to you for the coming break from school. May it be a time of fulfilling connections as well as a time to breathe.
I look forward to seeing our students energised and ready for work next term.