Recently I was at Lake Haven shopping centre. Standing in line to make a purchase, I pulled out the mobile phone to double check that the available funds were in the appropriate bank account. However, to my frustration, there was only one bar of service and the poor connection meant that the application simply would not load. In this moment of disconnection, I stepped up to the counter unsure of what was going to happen next.
Today, the internet and mobile devices allow us to be connected to other people anywhere and anytime, or almost. However, “the paradox of modern life is this: we have never been more connected and we have never been more alone” (Matt Haig).
Research in the field of positive psychology shows that healthy relationships is key to feeling happy. Dean Ornish writes that “The need for connection and community is primal, as fundamental as the need for air, water and food”. This is reflected throughout the Bible where we see time and time again that God is relational, starting from the very beginning in our genesis story where God created Adam and Eve, and would meet with them in the garden each evening.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)
For 127 years Avondale School has sought to be a community where we build connection with each other and with God. It is these connections that see alumni returning to enrol their children; I am proudly one of them. In the week ahead, I encourage you to spend time building deeper connections with members of our community in person; we’ll all be better for it.
Mr Darren Martin
Assistant Head of Secondary: Teaching & Learning
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