It is hard to believe that the end of another year is already upon us. There have been times this year when the busyness of life at the College has reached a frenetic pace but now, as the year comes to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on the many ‘silver linings’ that have presented themselves in a somewhat different and at times, difficult year.  

A big thank you to you, our school community, for the support and patience you have shown over the year. It does take a village to raise a child and the partnership we share with you is an incredibly important one. Your commitment to the school, your children and the College community is and has been very much appreciated. 

We are blessed with amazing children and passionate staff at the College. A big thank you to our Primary staff for their commitment, determination, adaptability and care. They are highly valued and appreciated and it has been such a privilege to work alongside this dedicated team for another year.

Farewell to our Year 6 students as they head off across the Undercover Area into the exciting world of secondary education and Middle School. May they remember to make the ‘Smaller Choices’ that will lead to big possibilities, to aim high and to make big plans for the future. 

I would like to say farewell to our families who will not be returning to the College in 2021. Thank you for your contribution to the College during your time here with us. May the next step in your journey, whatever that may be, be fruitful and blessed.

The Christmas holiday break is a great opportunity to enjoy time with family, to celebrate and to rest and rejuvenate. I hope that your family has the opportunity to enjoy this time.  I also hope that the true spirit of Christmas will be a central part of your family’s celebrations. 

A poet was once asked if he could explain one of his poems in “ordinary terms”. He replied with some feeling, “If I could say what I meant in ‘ordinary terms’, I would not have had to write the poem!” In a similar manner, it is difficult to put into “ordinary terms” the mystery of Christmas.

If we were to put into “ordinary terms” the meaning of Christmas, perhaps it might look something like this:

It’s sharing your gifts, not purchasing gifts.
It’s not wrapping presents, it’s being present and wrapping your arms around the ones you love.
It’s not getting Christmas cards out on time, it’s sending any card, anytime, at the right time.
It’s not having the best Christmas light display, it’s displaying the Christ light that comes from your heart.
It’s not Santa coming down the chimney, it’s Jesus coming down from heaven and giving us the gift of Himself.  

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very blessed and peaceful Christmas. Please keep safe over the holiday period and I look forward to seeing you all back at school in 2021 refreshed, energised and ready for another year of learning and growing together!

Peace and goodwill to you all.

Gail Mitchell, Head of Primary