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 trees before it’s even December. It’s the time when we look forward to family gatherings—or dread them—and plan summer holidays, or eagerly anticipate the ones we booked and paid for ages ago. In school land, there are assessments, reports, planning, and parties standing between us and the end of the year.
It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by. Yet, when I stop and reflect, I’m amazed by how much the students have grown. I’ve noticed that my Primary friends are feeling a little squished as they sit on the same mat they once fit comfortably on just a few terms ago. Some of the Year 6 students are telling me about their adult shoe sizes while easily speaking to me at eye level. Our Secondary students are looking more and more grown-up—many of our Year 11s are now driving themselves and their friends to school so they can keep up with each other’s lives and stress over subjects together. They’ve grown so much.
But more than that, I’m amazed by the questions they ask, their insight, their thoughtful reflections, and their creative ideas. When I ask them how they can spread goodness, kindness, respect, and generosity, they have the most wonderful ideas. They are such caring friends, with stories to tell about the things they are passionate about. They ask me to pray for things that show their deep compassion.
As we move through the fast-paced weeks ahead, don’t forget to pause and take in the goodness of your child. They are amazing young people with incredible stories, and they are truly a gift from God.
Pr Bethany Chapman
Campus Ministries Chaplain
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