Dear Parents and Caregivers,

One of the books that has impacted me as a leader of a Christian School is "Quality with Soul" by Robert Benne. Robert researched six premier Christian Colleges in the USA to see how they had remained faithful and true to their fundamental principles as Christian Colleges.

My greatest desire and prayer for Middleton Grange School is that during my tenure as Principal that the school would remain faithful and true to God's word and purposes, and to the 'founding fathers' desire for a biblically-based Christian education. Indeed, my hope is that the school has grown in its love for, and understanding of, the Lordship of Christ over all aspects of the school. This is only accomplished through the power and work of God's Word and the Holy Spirit permeating everything we do.

Christian teachers and Christian leaders must be intentional in everything they do. We tend to drift towards compromise rather than towards consistent obedience to authenticity in delivering Christian education. Please uphold us in prayer as we continually seek to reveal Christ in all we do.

Psalm 101 is a beautiful Psalm of intentionality. The Psalm describes how a king desires to remain authentic and Christ-like, both as a person and as a leader. There is no room for manoeuvring or wavering when the Psalmist says "I WILL!" He also recognises that he cannot do this in his own strength when he asks God in verse 2 to be with him.

Can I encourage you to read this Psalm as a family, and discuss with your children the need to be intentional and deliberate in living a life pleasing to God.

The Psalm covers the intentionality of:

* Praise to God

* living a blameless life

* being careful what I look at (v3)

* keeping good company/friendships

* doing away with evil practices.

Our world needs people of 'good' influence - those who walk according to the paths of righteousness and in favour with God.

God bless

Richard Vanderpyl

Principal