As students prepare to return to school and the transition plan is communicated to the College community there will be a certain level of rejoicing and celebrations albeit amidst a level of nervous apprehension.
One of the important factors that these past months of isolation have highlighted is the importance of community and more specifically the human need for relationship. The essential part of what it means to be human includes the robust nature of relationships with all the hurly-burly that this entails. The teachers have missed the students and whilst they have been preparing very sophisticated online resources the classroom experience is not the same. In seeing the Year 12s return to school there was a level of excitement and joy in evidence. Good mates and fellow peers were just glad to be in together again. In fairness, there is a lot that they have missed out on and we pray and hope that the remainder of the year is not marked with a repetition of the same challenges.
One thing that is evident is that life has changed for all of us and we will need to work through the challenges that will be with us for some time to come. One of the things that we will be fully committed to is to ensure that we continue to carry on with the College vision to grow and nurture excellence in Wisdom, Learning and Service. I have seen many of the teachers and students rise to challenges we are currently encountering and we will continue to encourage all the students to stay with the program in whatever format that it is delivered.
As students return to College, we will be trying to establish normal life albeit working within the current protocols and guidelines. We will limit mass gatherings such as assemblies and chapels but provide virtual alternatives. I think just being able to share stories and enjoy the presence of people will be a thrill for most. Finally, I thank God for all that we do have in this country in terms of our health services, our infrastructure, our educational opportunities but more importantly our Christian heritage. I pray that despite our current challenges we would take up the example set by an embattled and imprisoned Apostle Paul:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
