Head / Heart / Hands - Year 12 LifeLab
At the start of Term 3 this year, our Year 12 students embarked on the second iteration of the Year 12 Lifelab’s ‘Head/Heart/Hands’ Projects. We challenged the students in light of passages such as Matthew 5’s “Salt and Light“, Amos 5’s “Call to Repentance“, or James 3’s “Faith, not Works“. Essentially, we wanted students to understand that mission work begins in our backyard, rather than just three steps removed- overseas or abroad. Part of pitching the vision involved asking Year 13s, previously involved with projects, and Alumni to talk in an assembly about their work that seeks to imbibe the Kingdom vocationally.
Our method involved giving students time to identify the following 3 points:
- Causes they care about,
- Connect those causes to charities/NGOS,
- Find local examples of those causes being addressed.
From here, we compiled student voice to provide a voting process to select the four charities the students most wished to support. Our results were SPCA, Child Cancer Foundation, KidsCan and the Salvation Army. They then collaborated to plan courses of action, campaigns and efforts in larger groups.
Expressions involved a Market Day where students sold varied goods to donate all proceeds to their chosen cause (including Pinatas, Face Painting and Dunk-a-Teacher options!). There was also a Fun Run with ribbons worn to promote conversations and educate people informally. Some of our students visited the local Salvation Army store in Whangaparoa. They saw firsthand how Social Business, birthed from Christian convictions, can create a resource to help ‘the poor, needy and least of these’ in our society.
I think some of the “why we do this” was articulated by the Year 13s who spoke in assembly. They saw the direct connection to faith in Christ and how their professional aspirations can align with their values and desire for social justice, and that they see Jesus’ Kingdom is furthered by our humble efforts as His Hands and Feet.
I pray our current Year 12s will also capture the vision and possibility of why Service in Christ’s name is so necessary and transformational.
Jared Grant
Year 12 Lifelab Coordinator
