One month until Christmas! This is what we talked about briefly at Assembly yesterday. More importantly, though, we spoke about and reflected upon Advent which begins this Sunday.

Advent is a time of waiting. It is a time of reflection. It is a time of preparation.

In our ‘instant’ world, waiting, reflection and preparation is not often seen. I am sure that for some, waiting for the online shopping to arrive is the most patience we have to practice! Even then, many of us are checking the tracking number to check ETA and we are even emailed at least daily to let us know exactly where our parcel is. In many cases, the art of waiting has been lost. As life gets busy in the lead up to Christmas, and we get frustrated because we have a list that just needs to happen right now, Advent keeps us grounded and reminds us of what is truly important. The four candles in an Advent wreath represent Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. If waiting patiently for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the real meaning of Christmas, helps us to focus on these four words and what they mean in our lives, then it is time well spent.

I need to acknowledge our hard working staff at present. Although the NCEA exam delay meant that 2022 planning needed to wait until after senior students left, staff are now making up for lost time. There is a real buzz and energy about next year. We are challenging staff to look at curriculum differently and ensure that the ‘sage on the stage’ model is replaced with active, meaningful learning. Planning has involved much reflection and discussion about what will encourage the connected, active, lifelong learner attributes that we all want to see in our young people.

Thank you to those staff who organised and attended Year 8 Camp in Pukerau last week – there was great feedback from all involved. Meanwhile, preparation for our Year 10 camp is well underway and the students going to the two camps in Deep Cove or Cromwell will be very well catered for. Pantomime is making good ground and will be ready for a limited number of audience members in a couple of weeks.

You will be aware of the Covid traffic light system coming into effect on December 3rd. The Ministry of Education is currently preparing the relevant guidelines for schools. I will be sure to update you with any implications of this change, once we understand if there will be any direct effect on operations.

It is timely to remember all those in our college community who have been impacted by family death and illness of late. Our condolences and prayers are with you all.

Loving God, help us to be instruments of your light and love

by showing kindness

and being your special instrument

of reconciliation this Advent.

May the Christ Candle of Hope symbolize

our desire to bring light and hope into a world of darkness

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.