From the Chaplain
February 25, 2026 – Edition 2
It has been a full and special few weeks across our school as we have celebrated a number of events together as a community.
Celebrating Potential
Our Senior School Commissioning Service was an opportunity to come together in support of our Year 12 students and Senior School Leaders. It marks the beginning of the year, reminding our senior students of the support around them.
Our leaders were presented with their certificates and leadership badges, while each Year 12 student received their Year 12 badge. The theme of the service was ‘Potential’, and we are already excited about what our senior students will do this year, and how they will continue to positively shape the culture of our school.
Our Bible reading was the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 (Matthew 14:14–21). In this passage, we see Jesus take two very ordinary items at the time (bread and fish) and use them to create a miracle that met people where they needed it. Jesus saw the potential in these items and, in doing so, showed the power of leadership to shape the experience of others.
The challenge for us is to look around and see the potential in what we might otherwise dismiss as ‘ordinary’.
A great delight of the Senior School commissioning was reflecting on the Year 12 students and the journey they have had over the past 12 years. We also celebrated our own historic moment: the same two students (Asani and Anubhav) were commissioned as Booth Captains for the second time.
In 2020, a much younger Asani and Anubhav were commissioned as the Year 6 Booth Captains, and now they are back as our Year 12 Booth Captains for 2026. Leaver Captain Shamita has also been appointed to the same role she held in Year 6.
Another highlight was the presentation of our collaborative artwork, ‘We See Your Potential’. It contains messages the Year 12s wrote on their Retreat last year, framed by messages from staff who wanted to share their encouragement and support.
A huge congratulations to all our leaders and Year 12s. We cannot wait to see what you will do.
The Journey That Begins with 450 Pancakes
Junior School once again celebrated Shrove Tuesday by making (and sharing) hundreds of pancakes together. It was lovely to see the excitement of the students as they selected their toppings, but even more special to walk around and hear the conversations taking place in different classrooms.
In 3RC, it was wonderful to hear some reflections on what students are committing to over the coming 40 days.
Shrove Tuesday is significant because it marks the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a Christian tradition where individuals may give up something to focus on the lead-up to Easter and the sacrifice of Jesus.
There are many ways Christians choose to observe Lent. Some people use the number 40 as inspiration, for example, choosing to do 40 acts of kindness throughout Lent.
There is a lovely reflection by Sarah Bessey in which she shares 40 simple practices for Lent
One beautiful concept she shares is a ‘breath prayer’, where we say one phrase on the inhale and one phrase on the exhale. Here are two you may wish to take a moment to pray:
Inhale: Hope can see in the dark,
Exhale: Give us eyes to see what is good.
(Inspired by Psalm 5:8)
Inhale: Tell me clearly what to do,
Exhale: and show me which way to turn.
Every blessing in the weeks ahead.
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
