The View

Thursday, 12 Dec 2024

Unexpected Places
As I watch the Kindy Concert each year I delight in the story of Jesus’ birth as it comes to life. We see a cast of adorable angels, shepherds, wisemen, Mary and Joseph and many more sharing the news that Jesus came to rescue His people. I love the surprise...
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Friday, 06 Dec 2024

Leaving a Legacy
The word legacy is often defined as "the long-lasting impact of particular events and actions". At Avondale School, one such legacy is our cherished tradition of the Kindy Concert, which has been one of our defining moments for students, staff, and families for over 20 years. This treasured event exemplifies...
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Friday, 29 Nov 2024

When You’re Hit by a Bus
When my youngest son was starting university we were well-prepared. We had planned, mapped and researched. However, on his first day, Newcastle experienced torrential rain. I worried about how my young driver would cope with not only navigating unfamiliar territory, but also dangerous conditions. He left with plenty of time...
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Friday, 22 Nov 2024

Welcome to the Countdown!
It’s that time of year when everyone is counting down, or perhaps panicking because others seem further along with their countdowns. Some of you were eager to put up your Christmas decorations and even beat the shops to it. Meanwhile, some of you can’t believe people are putting up their...
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Friday, 15 Nov 2024

Facing Life's Struggles
A few weeks ago, I experienced a small yet impactful lesson from an unexpected source. I looked at the mighty but regularly tamed hedge that needed trimming—a simple monthly task I usually tackle without a second thought. But this time, the hedge was to teach me a lesson: what should...
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Friday, 08 Nov 2024

Lessons in Letting Go
It started with a simple patch of grass: a pristine, well-manicured lawn I took pride in, convinced it represented beauty and order in our backyard. But my wife - a true gardener at heart - saw potential beyond the uniform green. She saw a canvas for diversity; a place where...
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Friday, 01 Nov 2024

Being An Influencer
In a world saturated with social media influencers, the concept of 'influence' often conjures images of viral trends and online personas. However, when it comes to nurturing faith and spirituality, there exists a rich legacy of influential figures who have profoundly shaped Christianity. This term for Chapels, we look to...
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Friday, 25 Oct 2024

It's Not Good Luck... It's Hard Work!
Do you remember how nervous you were when you had to sit your final HSC exams? I certainly do. I recall putting so much pressure on myself that I woke up on the first morning of exams and couldn't stop vomiting. To this day, I don't know whether it was...
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Friday, 18 Oct 2024

Creating a Culture of Compassion
When we read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life on earth we hear many times that Jesus 'had compassion'. But that is always the beginning of the story. Each time Jesus felt compassion for people he was driven to act. His compassion led him to heal, feed, restore sight, meet...
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