Menu
In true Carey style we have worked hard right to the end of term, getting the most out of every day. NAPLAN testing has been completed, Primary parent teacher meetings have been held, Tearfund movie and mufti days completed, our Primary ALC students presented on their research at the Night of the Notables and the High School enjoyed a gorgeous day at the athletics fields (sandwiched between rain at the start and end of the day). A string of camps has given students the opportunity to build stronger friendships and learn more about themselves and their world in quite different classrooms. Our final day of school will provide the opportunity to assemble our students and visiting parents to celebrate the great work of our students this term.
I would like to take the opportunity to highlight the positive feedback we received from the campsite manager of the Year 9 camp. They noted the general poor standard of student behaviour from other schools who have visited their campsite and the negative impact it has had on the camp staff. In contrast the manager highlighted the positive conduct and respect shown by our students toward camp staff and one another. This had a real and positive effect on his staff. Well done Year 9, in leaving such a positive impression of your character in the minds of others. Keep up the great work!
Just a couple reminders that the start of Term 2 will mean a change to winter uniform. If you discover that your children have either grown out of uniform or misplaced something, our Uniform Shop will be open on Monday 17th (9am – 3pm) during the break. The school will recommence lessons on Monday 24th April and following the ANZAC Day Public Holiday on Tuesday, will hold commemorative assemblies on Wednesday. Thursday will see the cross-country carnivals for both Primary and High School. To top off the week High School will have photos on Friday. So, Term 2 will be kicking off just as busy as Term 1 is ending.
Between these busy weeks, I hope that the break will provide you with the opportunity to relax, connect as families and also reflect. The long weekend provides the opportunity to get away or catch your breath at home. I will be joining my family and spending a few days in the Blue Mountains. Besides enjoying the natural beauty of the mountains, it will also be a time when we will be reflecting on the significant events of Easter as recorded in the Bible.
Easter celebrates the saving work of Jesus Christ, however, have you ever considered why Easter has two public holidays attached to the weekend? It’s not just because it is an amazing event to celebrate. It is because Easter comes in two parts.
Part 1 – Jesus’ death on the cross was the essential sacrifice, that we need, and only he could make.
Tim Keller summarises the purpose of the events of Good Friday saying “Jesus Christ came to earth, lived the life we should have lived and died the death we should have died”. You can find the records of this event in each of the gospels (for example Luke 22-23). Jesus’ crucifixion was shocking and it was the most radical act of love in history. Jesus’ death provides the way by which we can enter a restored relationship with God.
Part 2 – Jesus’ resurrection (he did not stay dead!) changes everything and provides full hope.
The story does not end there. Luke 24 provides an account of Jesus’s bodily resurrection. Keller again picks up the world shaking significance of this news “The resurrection was God’s way of stamping PAID IN FULL right across history so that nobody could miss it . . . the resurrection is so enormous, it swallows up even the sorrow of the cross.”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to the Christian faith. It provides every assurance that a life trusting Jesus is not pointless or without purpose but will matter for all eternity. Thus, this Easter Christians remember (firstly in sorrow at Jesus’ death and then with joyful celebration at his resurrection) that what happened at Easter changes everything. Without it, there is no good news, no salvation, no saving message, and certainly no future hope.
With this reminder I wish you all a refreshing, reflective and safe holiday break.
God bless,
Keith McMullen
Principal
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26