This week, our students have been reflecting on the value of courage and how it shapes the way we live. Some acts of courage are bold and unmistakable - like David, who stood before Goliath with nothing but a sling, a few stones and deep trust in God (1 Samuel 17). Other moments of courage are quieter but no less powerful, like the widow in the temple, whose simple offering of two small coins caught Jesus’ attention and revealed a heart full of faith (Luke 21:1-4). Whether loud or quiet, courage is often about choosing to be faithful when it would be easier to blend in or hold back.
Today, many of our children are growing up in a world that encourages them to do just that, to blend in. To shape their identity around trends, approval and performance, rather than around the deep truth of who they are in God. And slowly, they begin to tuck parts of themselves away, their interests, their voice, their culture and their convictions, just to feel accepted.
But we were never meant to blend in. As followers of Jesus, we are called to stand out. Not for attention, but for authenticity. Not for perfection, but for purpose.
This week, I saw that courage come to life in our students. During our Multicultural Connection celebration, they stood proudly and joyfully shared their heritage, their stories and their faith with one another. There was a beautiful sense of unity and identity as they embraced who they are and celebrated one another. And throughout our Primary School Week of Worship, our students responded with open hearts to the theme, ‘Live it Out’, learning that to love like Jesus means choosing kindness, compassion and conviction in their everyday choices.
But they cannot do this alone. As parents, carers, teachers and mentors, we carry the responsibility (and the honour) of guiding our children back to their true identity in Christ - in what we say, in how we live, in the boundaries we set and in the love we show. Our lived example speaks loudly. When we model a life that is grounded in grace, transformed by truth and liberated by love, we give the next generation permission to do the same.
Let us raise children who are not afraid to be different; not afraid to be themselves. Children who are clear about who they are and certain of Whose they are.
Mr Michael Hosken
Assistant Head of Primary
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