1 John 3:1 – “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!”
Schools are special places and nowhere is there such a clear example of a connected community as at a school. This connection is not only related to the physical space but also to the common understanding of why each family gathers at this place every school day; to engage in education. All members of the school community subscribe to a common mission, vision, and values and share hopes and dreams in a purpose to lead and guide children to responsible adulthood, to be engaged and active citizens. At Swan Christian College, we aspire to see each of our students and families thrive, understanding that we shine because we are created in the image of God.
SCC enjoys a rich diversity in our 1,600 students and their families. This was clearly seen at the celebration of Cultural Celebration Day during Harmony Week last Friday, where Kindy – Year 2 students dressed up in the clothes of their land of origin. The Senior School students wore orange, representing the diverse cultures represented within the College.
Another place where family and the celebration of children can clearly be seen is in the Bible. Jesus calls the children to come unto Him (Matt 19:14). In 1 John 3, Jesus calls us children of God, and the Lord’s Prayer starts by greeting God as Father. The Church is the representation of God’s family. A sacred and special community.
Understanding the importance of family is vital to sustaining strong societies, and good parenting enables families to thrive. In Term 1, this was the topic of our parent Coffee & Connect morning tea. We explored parenting styles and discussed what Gentle Parenting looks like. We considered when to say ‘no’ to our children and if this was appropriate. We were encouraged to parent intentionally with a clear goal in mind for each of our children, acknowledging their personalities, but also remembering that we are there to lead and guide, not to be their friend. The relationship between school, students, and family was also reviewed, highlighting how this collaboration is a clear indication of student success.
It was an encouraging morning with several parents sharing their personal experiences and referring us to some reading material to help us in our all-important role of parenting. SCC also subscribes to the Fathering Project so keep an eye out over the next few months for further activities regarding dads and their children.
At Easter, the roles of Father, Son, and children can clearly be seen. Our Father sent His Son to die to eradicate our sins so we can be reconciled to God and become children of God, His family, the Church. Our prayer is that this truth will be celebrated by our community this year.
We hope that you will enjoy the holidays and look forward to an exciting and industrious Term 2, including the production of Little Women, our Community Bush Dance, and the ongoing growth of our young people in character, knowledge, and wisdom.
Dr Darnelle Pretorius
Principal
