Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau,

I’m sure you will all agree that 2021 has been a tumultuous year unlike many before. This year has continued to be dominated by COVID-19 and the global effects of this pandemic has led to many school activities and events throughout the year either being postponed or cancelled. Our thoughts and prayers go with our graduating Year 13 students who are leaving us, and we thank them for their contribution to our school over many years, and we wish them God’s richest blessing on the next chapter of their lives. This year we are also farewelling a number of long serving staff who are retiring or leaving us. A special mention goes to Mr Dave Read who has served the school faithfully by teaching in the Middle School for 41 years. We wish him a wonderful retirement. Details of staff leaving and new appointments for 2022 are listed below.

I have been away from school for a few weeks due to having had ankle surgery. I would like to acknowledge my Senior Leadership Team and especially Craig Utting who was Acting Principal during this time. Thank you for your support of me and for so competently leading the school during my absence.

I would like to thank all of our teaching and support staff for their hard work and commitment to the school this year in what have been challenging and uncertain times. As a Christian School we are truly blessed to have staff who love God, seek to follow Him and faithfully serve our school community.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is out fortress.”

Psalm 46: 1,7

A word of encouragement to parents for the holiday season:

May I encourage you over the coming weeks in the lead up to Christmas and during the holidays, to explore the breadth and depth of scripture with your children.

Now more than ever, our children need to know, understand, and embrace the stunning grandeur and absolute truth of Scripture. The answer to every pressing question, every longing of the heart, every struggle of the will, and every hope of all-satisfying joy is found in God’s Word. Therefore, parents (and every believer): It is our sacred responsibility and privilege to fully acquaint our children with the Bible. Consider these words from the Apostle Paul to Timothy:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

To that end, children will benefit from solid Bible resources that present and communicate the Bible’s grand narrative and essential doctrines and impress upon them the need to wholeheartedly respond to God’s Word with faith in Christ.

This might inspire you as parents to think differently this year about Christmas presents for your children.

I conclude with these words from Numbers 6:24-26

“The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

I wish you God’s grace, peace, and hope as you continue to nurture your children in the ways of the Lord and may you all have a blessed Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Blessings in Christ

Mike Vannoort

Principal (Tumuaki)