Lessons in kindness and friendship
The activities and events throughout Spiritual Focus Week sought to deepen students’ understanding of who Jesus is and how they can apply His teachings to their lives and relationships.
Each morning started with themed music in the quad followed by time with Pastor Ronan and some of the Citipointe Kids team. During class each day, the students participated in devotional activities that focussed on gratitude, kindness, the High 5 and Friendship Hands, as well as Jesus’ life and sacrifice for us.
On Monday, each class learned about gratitude during devotions and wrote what they thanked Jesus for on cards. These were then displayed in the quad from Wednesday morning so that our community could read about the hundreds of things that our students are grateful for. What a beautiful sight!
When learning about kindness, the students worked together to identify what a kind kid says, is, does and does not do. We hope that explicit teaching of kindness will continue to develop students who care for one another.
Another devotional activity was based around the High 5 Hand. This is a tool that students can use to help them solve conflict, especially in the playground. In small groups, they acted out various scenarios where they needed to use the High 5 Hand, aiming to become more familiar with the steps and gain confidence in resolving minor conflicts.
Among other activities, students watched a recording of the Head of Primary, Mrs Kim Piercey, reading The Garden, the Curtain and the Cross by Carl Laferton. This book shares the journey of Jesus’ life and His plan to save and restore humanity to a relationship with Father God. Our assembly also focussed on Jesus and the meaning of Easter.
The week concluded with Friendship Day where students and staff wore fun socks. This day helped to build community and to remind the students that although we are all different, we have shared experiences and connections.
Spiritual Focus Assembly
During the week leading up to Easter, Secondary students gathered for a special assembly as part of Spiritual Focus Week. Pastor Chris Ensby, from Citipointe Church, delivered a poignant message reminding students of the essence of Christianity: forging a deep spiritual connection with Christ.
The assembly also showcased the talents of NOVA Arts students who presented a stylised performance portraying the sacrifice of Jesus. Combined Secondary choirs shared a song of victory, emphasising themes of redemption and hope.
Student leaders led the assembly in prayer, seeking guidance to live lives that reflect God’s love and righteousness. Thought-provoking videos challenged perceptions of worldly fulfillment, emphasising Jesus as the ultimate source of identity and salvation. The invitation to come to the cross resonated powerfully, inviting all to find spiritual fulfillment in Christ.
Guest speaker Ronan Paulos echoed Pastor Chris’s sentiments, affirming that each student is precious to God and destined for a purposeful life guided by hope and divine plan.
Let us carry forward the lessons learned during Spiritual Focus Week, embracing the profound message of redemption, hope, and purpose found in Christ.
