We have had a busy week or so at school with Harmony Week celebrations and Sports Day for our Middle and Upper students yesterday. A huge thank you to Mrs Strickland (Harmony Week) and Miss Pfeiffer (Sports Day) for their leading out and huge efforts.

We still have plenty of highlights to come this term, but it is also great to have a time to celebrate Easter his weekend. Not only does it provide an opportunity to catch our collective breath after a busy start to the year, it also gives us a chance to reflect on the incredible sacrifice made by the God of the Universe for us all.

A few years ago, I watched a series about decluttering and simplifying your house. I was encouraged to pick something up, contemplate for a little while, and then decide whether the item brings joy and if it doesn’t, it could go. I have to admit, I had trouble really taking the program seriously, but it did change how I store my socks and towels.

Going through our “things” and simplifying life can be a very important and rewarding process. I find that Easter provides me an opportunity for such reflection.

I read a helpful piece recently about the value of spending time in reflecting on the things, particularly from a spiritual perspective. The author wrote, “(God) wants us to focus our time and energy on the things He knows will bring us fulfilling lives and eternal rewards. Stacking up and storing material possessions won’t do that. It's amazing how clearing out and minimizing even one area of our homes or our lives can make us feel lighter, both physically and mentally.

A lighter heart and mind leaves more room for God to work through our lives. Nothing on this earth matters more. We aren’t here long, and there are a lot of people longing to see the love of God. Let’s pray for the chance to show them today.” (Dayspring , 2021)

I pray this Easter will provide a special time of personal reflection for you.

Have a great long weekend and week with our kids,

Mark B