Kāhui Ako

This term we have been seeking ways in which to continue implementing our Wellbeing Framework. Working around the different facets: Hope, Identity and Belonging, Growth and Resilience, Purpose, and Action, we have been concentrating on Hope this year.

As we know, Christians perceive the word, ‘hope’, differently to the secular understanding of ‘wishful thinking’. There is no uncertainty in the biblical definition of hope. Instead, it is believing that when God has promised something, we put our trust in that promise. It is a steppingstone towards building our faith.

It is interesting to note, when looking at the word hope in the bible, it is often linked to the concept of endurance and persevering through difficult times. Romans 5:3-4 says:

This doesn’t mean, of course, that we have only a hope of future joys—we can be full of joy here and now even in our trials and troubles. Taken in the right spirit these very things will give us patient endurance; this in turn will develop a mature character, and a character of this sort produces a steady hope, a hope that will never disappoint us. (J B Phillips)

Our aim is for students to understand that having hope means that we have a confident expectation of living a thriving, purpose driven life. We are not dismayed or beaten when things do not work out as we expect them to. Instead, we put our trust in the Lord Jesus, Who is our hope.

This is our prayer for our students and their whānau:

May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope. Romans 15:13 (J B Phillips)

Ki Atua hei te Kororia -To God be the Glory

Ann Bailey and Nikki Clark
Across School Leaders - Kāhui Ako