It is both an exciting and surreal time at the end of the school year. There is so much work to do for everyone, yet the finish of the semester and holidays are so near. It is also a season filled with much joy. Senior graduation, Year Six graduation, Prep graduation, closing chapels and class parties. There are literally smiles all over the place!

It is a favourite time of many staff as we get to celebrate the completion of a journey for the students. Teachers care deeply about students and invest a lot of time and effort into planning and implementing quality learning experiences and caring for students. It is fulfilling to see them finish well, achieve “big” and enjoy the satisfaction of completing what they started. We then get very excited about getting some time off to rest and recover. In fact, I don’t know who looks forward to the holidays more – the teachers or the students!

The Christmas season is also marked with joy! It signifies the coming of our Saviour – an event which changed the world. I am convicted of how much I look forward to the break and to Christmas yet can still miss the point of the season. The holidays will be over soon, and the gifts will become less appealing. Yet Jesus, the eternal king, changes our lives and destiny forever! The hope and joy of holidays is temporary but “the God of hope fills us with joy and peace” forever. (Romans 15:3)

My prayer for you all this Christmas season is that you will find rest and rejuvenation. That you will enjoy time with family and friends. Also, that you would find space and time to reflect upon Jesus and his gift of salvation to us. He is so good! He has sustained us through a difficult year. I pray for those of you who have less to celebrate this year due to your circumstances that you will know the peace and presence of Jesus in your life as well.

Have a wonderful holiday, an awesome Christmas and we look forward to a fresh new year in 2021!

Todd Langford

Term 4 News