During the summer some mighty gum trees in my neighbourhood fell victim to a raging storm and crashed to the ground, roots laid bare. Even more magnetic than our Australian gums are the enormous redwood trees. They grow to around 100m tall, with diameters up to 7 metres. Some redwoods are believed to be over 2000 years old. These giants of trees must have huge, deep roots that anchor them solidly to the earth, right? Wrong! The root systems of these forest giants can be as shallow as 2 metres! So how do they remain standing through storms and forest fires? Their survival relies on the intertwining of roots that provides shared nutrients, support and resilience to disease. The survival of these trees rests not in their individual strength, but in their collective strength.
Redwood trees provide a great example of the importance of where we are planted, who surrounds us. We are grateful that each of our school families have ‘planted’ their children here at Avondale School. We understand the importance of belonging and we are intentional about helping our students feel welcomed and valued. We strive to create a community of intertwined children and families. We want our students to put down roots in a place where they are connected and supported. Children, like plants, thrive when they are planted in the right environment.
We also want our children to know that they belong to God’s family. They are created by the God of the universe and loved beyond measure. Whatever challenges and storms come your way, know that we are a connected community and we are here to provide the stability and support to weather the storm. Together we will grow through what we go through.
Good will come to the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is in the Lord. He will be like a tree planted by the water, that sends out its roots by the river. It will not be afraid when the heat comes but its leaves will be green. It will not be troubled in a dry year, or stop giving fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLV)
Mrs Debra Cooper
Principal
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