Welcome back to a wonderfully normal (so far) 2023 school year. After three years of extreme weather, restrictions, delays and closures, I think we are all going to enjoy everything 2023 has in store for us.

Each year, it is our tradition to embrace a bible verse theme for the year and I think the one chosen for 2023 is incredibly appropriate as we finally celebrate back to normalcy.  This year, our theme is Psalm 34:8, which says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”

This powerful verse reminds us that we can experience the goodness of the Lord through our senses and our actions. By taking the time to taste and see for ourselves, we can truly understand and appreciate the blessings that come from seeking refuge in God. 

Trust is at the heart of any healthy relationship, and our relationship with God is no different. When we trust in God, we are saying that we believe in His goodness, His wisdom, and His love for us. We are saying that we believe He has our best interests at heart and will guide us in the right direction.

This kind of trust can be difficult, especially when things in our lives aren’t going well. It can be tempting to blame God or to question His goodness when we are facing challenges or hardships. However, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord is good and that those who trust in Him will be blessed.

In a world that can often be overwhelming and stressful, it is important for us and our students to have a sense of peace and stability. By taking refuge in the Lord, we can find the strength and comfort we need to navigate the challenges we face and to be responsible, compassionate people.

As educators, it is our responsibility to provide our students with the tools and support they need to succeed. But more importantly, it is our honour to role model and teach the students values, ethics and a sense of morality that will guide them throughout their lives.

Throughout the year, we will incorporate this theme into our curriculum and extracurricular activities, providing opportunities for our students to learn about and reflect on God’s goodness and the importance of taking refuge in Him.

As we begin this new year, let us embrace the theme of Psalm 34:8, to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. Together, we can create a community of learners who are grounded in their faith and committed to making a positive impact in the world.

Mike Curtis, Principal