At the close of a year and, for me of an exquisitely privileged season of my life and career, it is difficult not to become reflective of what it has all meant, what should remain foremost and where to next?

Middleton Grange School has borne a very special mission for almost 60 years. Like the churches we all attend, it is not a perfect place, its people are not flawless and there are times of regret. However, as I look back over the last 20 years, I see men and women of exceptional competence in the classroom; of unquenchable energy on excursions outside of the classroom; of consummate capacity to go the extra mile to ensure all students have optimal chance of achieving their goals. More significantly, I see those same men and women unswervingly compassionate, kind and caring of their students; unwavering in their devotion to ushering their students into personal and vital knowledge of God; earnestly praying for students at weekly staff corporate prayer times; and with students in times of need, or simply for blessing. And this is what it has all meant. Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost and passed on that imperative to His followers. This is the mission for which Middleton Grange was built: to be an oasis where biblical principles are taught and lived so that multiple young people might be added to the Kingdom of God. Do all students leave MGS reconciled to their Creator? No, but we are one step on the journey, and God always continues the good work He has begun.

What must remain? An archaic word, “vainglory”, meaning ‘empty glory’, ‘pride’, akin to vanity, describes a thief. An important principle that accompanied the establishment of MGS was that glory is only to be attributed to God; that only He deserves the glory. Down the years, buildings, plans, projects, events and daily pursuits have been dedicated “to the glory of God”. Character building, the quest for Excellence and offerings of Service are encouraged as a means of bringing glory to God. While we celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups, we have learned that these victories are sweeter and more rewarding when God’s grace and pleasure are the focus of our gratitude and rejoicing. May we always be aware in true humility that “apart from Him, we can do nothing”, but as we commit our plans to Him, He establishes the work of our hands.

And what is next? We cannot predict the details of what lies ahead, but we do know that God’s plans are to do us good and to provide a future and a hope. Our ‘next’ is to remain faithful to the foundations of our school, to continue the no-compromise approach to seeking God’s will and His glory in everything and to be a community that regularly prays together. We must strengthen our partnership with you, parents, in reminding our young people – daily, twice a day, as often as we can - of the redemptive story of Jesus Christ. Together we must tend to their wounds, love them unconditionally, disciple them gently but firmly, teach them how to give honour, encourage them through ordeals and victories alike to become resilient and courageous. Together we must ourselves do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God – our youth will see then that the Gospel truly is taught and lived; our authentic faith will speak deeply with transformational power into their spirits; and God will bring the fruit in its season.

Ma Ihowa koe e Manaaki, e tiaki. The Lord bless you and keep you. May you be filled with renewed awe as you ponder the great gift to the world of Jesus, our Saviour, as you celebrate with whānau this Christmas.

In this issue

Tūhono - Years 7 & 8