Week 3, Term 4 Newsletter
The Lion of Judah
I’m a big fan of the Narnia series, having read them as a kid and as an adult, and really enjoyed the corresponding links between the characters in the novels and life, me, others and indeed the Bible. One phrase that stands out to me is when Mr. Beaver said to the 4 children, “They say that Aslan is on the move . . .”
For those who know the Narnia series, they will know that Aslan is the king of all the animals and the territory. He comes and goes at his good pleasure and it just so happened that at that particular time, the children got to meet him and everything changed from there . . . for good.
Similarly but more so, it was amazing to be a part of the school assembly on Monday morning where the Lord was moving so, so powerfully in and amongst all of us who were here. The praise and worship team laid an amazing platform - it was like a smorgasbord of worship to the King. Following that, we somehow found ourselves in a time of ministry and prayer. It was powerful and went on . . . and on . . . and it was so, so sweet to be in His presence as a school whanau.
As a Principal of a school that exalts the name of Jesus, it brings me no greater joy than to witness and see our students loving on the Lord and Him being able to do the same right back at them. In addition to this I had the absolute privilege of seeing teachers praying for students . . . . students praying for teachers . . . students praying for students . . . students and adults prophesying aloud and encouraging each other . . . the Holy Spirit moving and speaking words of life over people . . . it was amazing.
Whanau, this is what it is about - giving glory to the Lord. What an honour.
I encourage you as a family to make sure that you 100% tautoko and support all that the Lord is doing in this place. Plug your family into a local church and be encouraged and equipped. Pray with your children and bless them to be all that God has made and called them to be. Play God-honouring music throughout your household. Honour each other and in doing so, honour the Lord. Have your children share about the blessings and favour of God in their lives and share testimonies of the same - it grows our faith.
Whanau, they say that the Lord is on the move . . .
2022 - doing life WITH God!
Mark
Verse for the week:
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.
The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptised with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:44-48
Happy birthday!
Celebrating a wonderful woman who has done pretty much everything that can be done in a school . . . Dr. Sue Dow!
She was here on the very first day, welcoming in new students and making them at home. Little has changed - she remains the cheerful, flexible, super fit, full of laughter ‘Miss’ that she is and today we celebrate her 70th birthday.
Thank you for everything you have done for this place but more importantly for all you have invested into the lives of children…who have since had their own children…and in doing so, you have impacted generations for the glory of God.
Have a fantastic day and may the Lord continue to bless you and your family.
Lots of love,
Team Bundies
Important Dates to Remember
- Monday 7th November - Start of NCEA Exams
- Friday 25th November - MoE Teacher Only Day
- Tuesday 29th November 6pm - Senior Prizegiving Y11-13
- Friday 2nd December - Last day of NCEA Exams
- Wednesday 14th December - Junior Prizegiving Y1-Y10
- Friday 16th December - Last Day Term 4 / 2022
KALS Students Representing our Region at NZ's Largest Basketball Tourney
Congratulations to all those who represented our region at New Zealand's largest basketball tournament in October. Those from our school who competed at the tournament are pictured below (Danny Smith and Brodie Takimoana absent in the school photo).
A big thank you to the coaches, Rangi, Kape and Pika, who have been championing our athletes for many years now.
Basketball continues to be a growing sport in our school and the amount of talent coming through is significant. Well done whanau.
Notification of Absence
Just a friendly reminder to please let the school know if your child is absent. This can be done in the following ways;
- Call and leave a message - 09 408 2671
- Email the office - office@abundantlife.school.nz
- Via the School App
Please also ensure you advise the reason for the absence as well ie - Sick, Doctors, Dentist, Appoint, Holiday, Tangi etc - as these are all recorded differently.
Your attention to this request is greatly appreciated.
Student Mobile Phones - at school
Please remember to remind your child to hand their phone in at the beginning of the day to Whāea Bobbie at our front office, and collect them after school.
Any phones confiscated by staff will need to be collected by parents and whānau.
Abundant Life Church Service Details
All Welcome!!!
Evening Service - Wednesday's 5.30pm - Shared dinner, please bring a plate
Sunday Service - Sunday's 9.30am
Please join us, we would love to see you there!!!
School App
If you haven’t already loaded our School App to your phone or mobile device - the instructions of what to do is in the poster provided. The App some very useful features such as notifying student absence, calendar events, notifications and more.
Meet the Team - Mark Tan - Principal
Kia ora koutou,
My name is Mark Benjamin Tan and I'm the Principal of this amazing school. My parents started Abundant Life Church way back in the 1970s and I was a student of this very school back in 1988 and 1989; back in the days when it was known as Form 2 and Form 3. It was a game changer for me as my life was grounded in the Word of God, learning about Him and how to live a life as His son. Following my graduation as a teacher, I married my primary school sweetheart Ivy and together we have 2 amazing children, Mihiora and Karere. As an educator, I have taught overseas and locally; in private and public settings; as a Primary and Secondary teacher. Now, as Principal, I have the privilege of working with students, families and staff to see the Kingdom of God advanced in the lives of our next generation. All glory to God.