Kia ora e te whanau
Sometimes four letter words are said for effect and simply to express the right emotion. HELP is one such word at these times. We always pray in petition when we cannot solve the problems before us. Hence the expression with reference to the First World War, “there are no atheists in foxholes.” Human beings turn to God for HELP - the prefect prayer. HELP is now the prayer word of hospitals and medical staff as they ask for the ventilators, and protective equipment they need to do their job. I now further understand those words of scripture, “Unless you become like little children you will not enter the Kingdom of God.” Why? Because little children ask for HELP -all the time. HELP to be fed. HELP to read. HELP to make them better. This week, myself, our DP of Teaching and Learning Bridget Ryan, our Director of Religious Studies Brendan Terry and several teachers who are parents in the school or who are not union members, and therefore not restricted by the meeting ban, met with our year 9 and 10 parents and caregivers to learn about the upcoming changes to the NZ Curriculum and NCEA. It is your children who will be most affected in the coming years, but we were so heartened by the response, support and positivity in the room. What a humbling experience! Nearly 100% of families understand that students need the structures of daily routines, the guidance of their teachers, the support of their peer friendships and the freedom to express what they need in their learning pathway to thrive. It is unfortunate that in this exciting time of change in all schools we are disrupted by industrial action for teachers, which has meant that students have been rostered home, or all sent home on strike days. It is unfortunate that we are distracted by media attention and gossip in the community. "PRAYER is the conversation to and the recognition of a greater Being in the face of impossible odds.” So, when these distractions and disruptions abate, and regular school classes start again we need to be running...not walking. We are not victims sitting on a cactus bush moaning about how unfair life has become. My thanks and appreciation for the teachers who have gone way beyond to provide work and check in on their students either in person or online. My thanks and appreciation for our parents who have shown compassion and support. And most of all my thanks and appreciation to the students who just get on with things, who participate with pride in all the activities, sports and events we provide, and who make us laugh every day. We are all in the middle of a huge reset on how we do everything. It is really a magnificent opportunity! Don’t forget to ask for HELP... from I to Me to you. Tara Quinney, Principal
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
|