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Pastoral Care Coordinator P-6

From the Pastoral Care Coordinator P-6

“Living Hope through the Lord and each other”

“Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we are to leave the present world as it is. If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.” C.S. Lewis

In 2021, our theme was Living Hope and in the Junior School we looked to the Lord for guidance. We know that he has plans for us for good, to give us a future and a hope for better things, either in this life or the next. He helps us to renew our strength. He heals our wounds, physical, emotional and spiritual. He tells us to not let our hearts be troubled, and to not be afraid. He will meet our needs, both in sickness, and in healing.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

LIVING HOPE THROUGH PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral Care at Redeemer Lutheran College encompasses all in our community. We focus on positively shaping the future of our students and the way they think and perceive themselves, others, and the world around them. Our hope is for our students to initiate ideas that meet and challenge the modern complexities of their future. As a school, we are both proactive and reactive, strengthening character and strategically building skills to manage life’s trials because we want our students to have hope regardless of the challenges they face, now and into the future.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12

LIVING HOPE THROUGH OUR SUCCESSES

In 2021, the students from Prep to Year 6 had a hope of becoming the best they can be. This includes in the classroom, on the stage, in the pool and on the sporting fields. However, this hope has exceeded all expectations, with students showing a passion for learning and their relationships with family and friends. They have displayed a compassion in their personal and school-wide projections, as well as in their consideration of others.

The students in the Junior School have shared their successes through lunchtime Social Skills groups, Student Council meetings, Year 6 Captains discussions, Assemblies, an assortment of lunchtime activities and most importantly, Devotions and Chapel Services. Through these successes, we have realised that it is hope that keeps us moving on when everything is wrong and it is the little voice whispering “maybe” when the entire world is shouting “no”.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

LIVING HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

As we look to the future, my prayer and hope is that we continue to be; curious learners with a thirst to understand all that begs to be understood, courageous community members who stand up for our convictions to do the right thing, and Christ-led servants who see Christ in all people and serve Him through caring for and serving others.

“There is hope for the future, and when the world is ready for a new and better life, all these things will some day come to pass, – in God’s good time.” Jules Verne.

MR ANDREW MARSHALL PASTORAL CARE COORDINATOR P-6