Chaplains' Chat

Well, Term 1 began with a whirl and we all got back into the swing of DE schooling.

We had a wonderful Student Leadership Camp here in Albany in a beautiful setting. It was a privilege to meet the students and observe them mix, mingle and have early morning devotion time. I had the honour of feeding the masses and was so very blessed by students wanting to help and serve in the kitchen. Even to do the dishes, yes, you read it right, they offered each time to do the dishes. It was wonderful to see and made my heart swell with joy. 

Lunch Clubs are happening every day, and many students are coming along and joining the different Clubs that are held. I have found great joy to join in each day and chat with many students; it is a beautiful way to connect. I have had some really lovely conversations and learnt many things - they do say you're never too old to learn and it's definitely true. I hope new friendships have been formed through the varied and different clubs we have on offer. They will continue to run next term too, and I am looking forward to joining in again.

I have been part of the Cooking Club, which is new to our ACC Connect Clubs. It's been hilarious getting my head around filming, and then putting it together and uploading it -  Mr Wiseman has been a great guide and help. I do feel technologically challenged at times! But I have enjoyed reading the students' comments and I am so encouraged by them.  I now have a student, Alyssa, who wants help out, and showcases things she has baked or learnt. I am so pleased to have her helping me.

We had our first School Assembly of the year, with Mr Wiseman and I hosting it. It was such a fun time, and a blessing to see all the Student Leaders stepping up and praying, reading or chatting about different things. The Kahoot quiz at the end is always so good to watch as students compete to beat each other - good healthy competition! It was wonderful to see so many students coming to the Assembly. I just love our community.

It truly is a blessing to be part of an extraordinary community and to experience the blessings that are found in being part of a team of people - staff, students, families and carers, as we all do life together the best we can, under God’s guidance and direction.

As Easter approaches it is a time for us to reflect on the reason we celebrate Easter.

“For God so loved the world that He gave us his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Easter for me is special in many ways. Roughly 21-22 years ago I attended a church service with my brother who was visiting and had just become a Christian. I had never seen a church so full and vibrant. A few weeks later they were holding a course all about Christianity. I went along and long story short, I handed my life over and accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Best decision ever.

All churches will be holding services, and I encourage you to go and be blessed by the wonderful messages you will hear. I also know that in Albany in the weeks following various churches will be holding a course called ALPHA and it is a fabulous opportunity to go along, listen, ask questions and learn more about Christianity. Most will have a meal provided as well.

Whatever you do this Easter break, I pray for safety and a really blessed time for each and every one of you. Enjoy the holiday break, and I look forward to doing Term 2 with you.

Blessings to you all.