Still Learning

Once again at this time of year we face the ups and downs of the HSC results. There are the joys and encouragements of those who have worked so hard and gained wonderful results, there is the frustration for those who worked hard but just didn’t get to their goals, and there is the mixed feelings of frustration and justification that a teacher feels when those who didn’t make an effort get results that reflect their lack of effort.

But the greatest dissonance I feel at this time is that no matter what we say throughout the year, no matter what the media and culture says about the important things that schools do and contribute to the character and faith formation of students, everyone at this time of year focusses on results, results, results.

At NCS this year, we could easily do the same. Michael’s fantastic results especially are cause for celebration and gratitude to God for Michael’s gifts, recognition of Michael for his faithfulness in using his gifts well, recognising Michael’s parents for their clear encouragement and support, acknowledging his family and friends for the help they have given in many ways over the years, and commending the teachers for their efforts over many years in teaching Michael. Indeed, when I spoke to Michael about his 99.85 ATAR, he thanked me and the school for the help we have provided in getting him to these results… ” I know that I couldn’t have done this without NCS” were his words to me.

These are all great things for which to be thankful, and I do not wish to detract from Michael’s academic achievement.

But, what matters more to me and to the staff of NCS is that Michael, and so many of his peers, leaves us with an HSC in his CV and the Holy Spirit in his heart.

Michael’s comment to me is one of humility. This humility is consistent with the faith in Jesus and desire to serve Him that Michael, and many of his classmates, have demonstrated over an extended period of time. And this is evident in so many students in our school across all the grades.

This is the real blessing of being a part of the NCS community. Fantastic HSC results are wonderful to achieve, to celebrate and acknowledge.

But, in time, their meaning and memory pass.

The heart of the matter, is a matter of the heart. And what is written on the hearts of young people as they leave NCS is always more important than what is written on any piece of paper.

We had a wonderful night on Friday celebrating 11 year of schooling for our graduating Year 10s. They looked fantastic, and the speeches from Jono and Aimee were wonderful. I really appreciated Hugh and Jenna praying for the school – this was the first time at a Yr 10 graduation that students had prayed for the school. Thanks to Mr Harrison and Mrs Dickinson for organising this event.
Some parents commented that they appreciated what I had to say about living a life with a purpose. I repeated a phrase that I read recently (can’t remember what book) that spoke of too many in Australia having “plenty to live with, but nothing to live for”. It is my prayer that all NCS students will live lives of purpose, living in the light shed by the reality of the creative, sustaining and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. We pray that those who are leaving will remember all that we have tried to teach them during their time with us, and that we will be a great help to those who are staying for the next 2 years.

I had the privilege of attending the CSSA Triathlon at Penrith on Friday 21st. Mr Harrison joined with Mr Hammann (PE teacher at ICS, and ex-school captain of NCS) ran a great day.

The mutual support of the athletes both within and across the various schools way a joy to observe. It was also wonderful to see the efforts, encouragement and service of the NCS students who came either to compete or assist with the running of the day.

After the day ended and the students headed home, I was able to attend the launch of “It only takes a spark”, a book of the history of the early days of Christian Community Schooling in Australia. This event was a wonderful encouragement, and we will be getting some copies of this book for the school library. Recommended reading!

What a wonderful assembly we had today, saying goodbye to our Year 12 students. They planned the whole event, and it was enjoyable and encouraging. Great to see so may parents there as well. We wish all of our senior students God’s blessing as they complete their final preparation for the HSC.

I am still learning, and there are ideas from the 2011 CSA conference that I am being challenged by. Here is one that I am keen to share with my teachers and parents that must influence our teaching and learning community.

Prof James Dalziel (from the Macquarie University E-Learning Centre of Excellence) told us that 21st century students are wonderful at using technology but recent research shows us that this does not necessarily guarantee that they can use the technology for learning. This needs to be explicitly taught, not assumed.

During the mid year student holidays I want to the International Transforming Education Conference in Darwin.

The opening address was by Os Guinness, and was very helpful.

Here are some of my notes from his talk.

Challenges that the church, and Christian School, need to keep in mind as we move into the future…