In Faith
IN FAITH
Tena koutou katoa,
Happy Waitangi Day to everyone. Despite the weather here in Kaitaia, the weather was nice in Waitangi and it was wonderful to hear the Word of God being proclaimed before the sun rose at what many term the birthplace of our nation. May the Lord continue to bless our nation, our government and community leaders and every family and individual that calls this place home. As a nation, we are very, very blessed . . . and our thanks and gratitude goes to the King of all kings, Jesus.
Tomorrow = Day 1!
For those who need reminders:
The bell will go off at 8:25 with school officially kicking off at 8:30am
The school day will end at 2:45pm
Students being picked up can be picked up between 2:45pm and 3:00pm . . . which provides plenty of time to avoid any traffic jams in the car park!
We start tomorrow with a full school powhiri, welcoming in new staff, students and whanau. Feel free to join us for this at 9:15am. We continue to have new students and staff (see below) join us which is both fantastic and humbling. Praise be to the Lord for His goodness.
Whanau, the journey and walk of faith is like no other. The vast majority of the world walks by sight - that which they see, smell, taste, hear, feel. Galatians 6 warns us about living lives like this - those who sow in the flesh will reap the flesh and corruption. Instead, we, as sons and daughters of the Most High, are called, exhorted, commanded and instructed to . . .
LIVE BY FAITH
We cannot live according to our senses. This is futile.
We cannot walk according to our fleshly desires or plans. This leads to death.
We are to live by FAITH.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is the ESSENTIAL ingredient to having a relationship with God.
Without faith, we cannot please God.
Is the faith journey an easy one? Sometimes . . . but oftentimes, no! But it is the one that reaps eternal life, that allows us to walk into the promises of Psalm 23, the journey that we are called to walk with Him.
It is our defining factor as Christians. Without it, we are living a life of fantasy. With it, we are living a life of freedom, blessing and adventure.
2023 starts officially tomorrow. Let’s do this and let’s do this well. To God be all the glory. We walk in faith.
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Secondary students:
We have had a number of NCEA subjects added to our student choice portfolio including Chemistry, Biology, Business and Physics. Tomorrow we will be re-confirming student subject choices and timetables - these will be printed and sent home for parents to review and sign before being fully confirmed. Parents, please ask your child for this timetable when they get home.
Furthermore, we have a significant timetable and programme change coming that we believe will see our students have significant focus and achievement gains, noting that rewards are a result of hard and dedicated work and heart. More details on this to be given in the coming days.
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Staffing
We ask that you continue to pray for Mr. Wilkinson following his recent surgery. Mrs. Wilkinson continues to be a pillar of strength for him and may the Lord continue to bless them both as he recovers and moves towards full and complete healing in Jesus’ name. We look forward to welcoming them back shortly.
A big welcome (back in some cases) to the following staff members who are joining us:
Mrs Lisa Rice
Lisa is an experienced teacher and will be joining our team delivering Kingdom Training Academy (KTA) Spiritual Equipping across the school. KTA was run as a pilot programme in 2022 within the church and we are excited to provide this programme for our students as they learn to hear the voice of God and much, much more!
Mrs Irene Adair
Irene joins our team again as the Y7/8 classroom teacher, providing English, Literacy and Social Studies learnings to that cohort. We are blessed to have her join us once again as she is vastly experienced and talented.
Mrs. Sheena Wilson
Sheena is back at Abundant Life School as our STAR and Gateway Coordinator. Sheena has many years of experience in this field and many more years of successful and positive interactions with business owners and work placement sites across our area.
Mr. Raniera Adair
Raniera is an experienced teacher who will primarily be teaching Mathematics across the Secondary department. A man of many talents, Mr. Adair has an ability to teach in a humorous and engaging manner and we look forward to his contribution once again.
Mrs. Serena Rihari
Serena is experienced with food, preparation and delivery and will be joining Matua Pops in the kitchen as we continue to deliver healthy lunches each and every day. Serena’s positive attitude and skill set will be a welcome addition to our kura and we are very grateful.
2023 - in the faith zone
Mark
Verse for the week:
“The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction.
The one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life”
- Galatians 6:8-9
Important Dates to Remember
- Tuesday 7th February - 1st Day Term 1
- Thursday 6th April - Last Day Term 1
- Monday 24th April - Teachers Only Day
- Tuesday 25th April - ANZAC Day
- Wednesday 26th April - 1st Day Term 2
- Monday 5th June - Kings Birthday
- Friday 30th June - Last Day Term 2