Happy New Year from Revd

Ngaa mihi o te tau hou, Happy New Year. New beginnings are always exciting, a chance to reflect on what has been and at the same time, we can look forward to what is yet to come. Many will have their own traditions at the stroke of midnight on the 31st of December each year but one of mine is to use it as an opportunity to give thanks for the opportunities and the celebrations of the previous 12 months. It is also a time to think about what could have been more successful if circumstances and time had been allowed.

We farewell the old and ring in the new acknowledging people and events from the previous year and the next 12 months before us.

Of course, a slight shift in the calendar does not mean there will be some kind of magical shift in circumstances. Things don’t necessarily change simply because the calendar year has, we all know that. However, it is a time to reflect and think about who we are and who we can become. A time to think about what needs to be held even more tightly, what needs to be let go of and what needs to be developed further.

Our students and staff have returned, new students and staff have started and we have farewelled the 2021 cohort. This is a season of change and it is my sincere hope and prayer and indeed a huge part of my ministry, to ensure that we transition well in the presence and fellowship of divine love; of Gods the God who creates and recreates us.

As a school, we are built upon a foundation of faith: faith in Jesus Christ, the life-giver and pain bearer. As St Paul once wrote, whatever this year brings to us, Jesus Christ is the “same today, yesterday and tomorrow”.

Trustworthy, reliable and present. May the God of love bless each and every one of us and our families during the next academic year.

Maa te Atua e manaaki

Ngaa mihi nui

Rev Peter