We are already in Week 4, and as we settle into the rhythm of a new school year, it is important to pause and reflect on the theme that will shape our time together in 2025: Loving God. Loving Others.
Every year, we prayerfully choose a theme to guide our school community, something to anchor ourselves to in our learning, relationships, and daily interactions. This year’s theme comes directly from Jesus’ words in Matthew 22:37-39:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
And love your neighbour as yourself.”
These words aren’t just a nice idea but a call to action. They remind us that our faith isn’t just about what we believe but how we live. Jesus teaches that loving God and loving others should be central to everything we do. But how is this possible?
1 John 4:19 reminds us,
“We love because He first loved us.”
Our ability to love others comes from knowing how deeply we are loved by God. His love is not something we have to earn - it is freely given, and when we experience this love, it changes how we see and treat those around us.
To introduce students to this theme in a memorable and fun way, I presented them with a big red envelope at Line Up just before Valentine’s Day. Instead of a Valentine’s Day card inside, there was a letter which simply read:
“Our school should be a place where love is seen, heard, and felt in every interaction.”
I challenged students to think about what this looks like in our daily lives:
Loving God by praying, trusting Him, and learning more about Him.
Loving others by showing kindness, helping, and including everyone, even those different from us.
Making a difference by choosing to love, even when it’s difficult.
This message isn’t just for students. It’s for teachers, staff, and families too. We all have daily opportunities to demonstrate God’s love in teaching, learning, playing, and working alongside one another.
Because of His Love, We Can Love Others
Loving others sounds simple, but in reality, it can be difficult to put into practice. With 169 students in our school, there will be moments when we let each other down or when someone is unkind, thoughtless, or hurtful. Jesus knew this, and He taught something radical: Love your enemies.
Recently, I was challenged upon hearing a podcast by Tim Bowden, Principal of Trinity Grammar School. Previously a chaplain and having held many other roles over the years, Tim reflected on what he has learnt about truly loving your neighbour, particularly when that neighbour differs from us. You can listen to the podcast HERE.
Cultural, personal, or interest-based differences can create barriers. Too often, we let those differences lead to suspicion or division rather than opportunities for connection. Jesus calls us to something greater. He tells us that our ‘neighbour’ isn’t just the person we naturally get along with, it is also the person we struggle with, don’t understand, or even find difficult. He challenges us to go beyond tolerance and actively choose love.
At Northern Christian School, we want to be a transformational Christian community where we welcome rather than exclude and build up rather than tear down. Our core values of Faith, Hope, and Love should be evident in how we treat one another, even when it’s hard.
A Challenge for Us All
As we continue reflecting on this theme throughout the year, I encourage you to consider and ponder these questions as a family:
How will you demonstrate your love for God more this year?
How will you demonstrate your love for others in your classroom, playground, and home?
How will you demonstrate that you choose to love those different from you?
Let’s make 2025 a year where love is at the heart of our school community, knowing that this focus will reap rewards for future years. Because of His love, we can love others.
Bethany Armstrong - Principal
