Secondary News

“This is the day that the Lord has made,

let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24

Reflecting on the year so far, and the learning, growth and activities we have packed into the first semester of the 2025 school year, I am constantly reminded that this day — and every day — is a day created by God, and we are gifted each one as an opportunity to rejoice and be glad in it.

It’s a strange thought as I sit here invigilating the final Semester 1 Year 11 Exam alongside Mr Brown. Looking at some understandably nervous faces, I’m not sure our students are quite rejoicing in the moment — though some may be rejoicing that it’s their last exam for the term, or simply glad the pressure is easing. But from where I sit, I truly am both glad and rejoicing. I’m glad for the privilege we have in journeying alongside our students at different moments in their learning, and I rejoice in knowing that today is a small yet meaningful step closer to their goals and growth, and the purpose that God has for their lives.

For many, exams (and any assessment task) can be confronting. I remember my own school days and the anxious lead-up to assessments — the worry about forgetting key details, being stuck with writer’s block, or the underlying fear of failure. Those feelings don’t always disappear with age, but what has changed is my perspective. While I still wouldn’t put assessments on my “favourite things” list, I’ve learned to view them differently. I now see them as one of life’s many challenges — not something to dread, but an opportunity to stretch, to grow, and to build resilience that will serve well into the future.

As we now come to the end of the semester, and with the release of Semester 1 Progress Reports, I encourage all students to pause and reflect: Are you rejoicing in the effort you put into your learning? Are you glad for the growth you’ve experienced — even in small ways? Are there areas you can identify for change or renewed focus?

Whatever your answer, I challenge each of us to consider how we might find joy even in the midst of a challenge. True growth often comes not when the path is smooth, but when we choose to press into the discomfort and lean on God’s strength to carry us through. Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This rejoicing is not always about our circumstances being easy — it’s about choosing joy because we trust in the One who holds each day in His hands. Whether you're glad this term is behind you, rejoicing in your achievements, or simply grateful for the opportunity to rest, may you take time to pause, reflect, and give thanks.

In every challenge we face, may we press into God, find our strength in Him, and rejoice — not just for the victories, but for the journey that shapes us.