Dear College families,

How wonderful today has been! The day began with a whole College Easter service, minus year 5 & 6 who are away on camp, in the new Atrium. It was so fabulous to all be together after two years of not being able to gather as a whole community and what made it even more special was to have a beautiful space big enough for the event. This very special Easter service had loads of moments that pulled on the heart strings including watching ELC students enthusiastically sing "Boss of the Cross" and seeing Year 10 students enjoy a moment of abandon whilst joining in the Primary school classic "Super Saviour.” A huge thank you to Mr Elton, our College Chaplain, who had obviously invested a great deal of time into preparing a service that communicated the powerful, hope-filled message of Jesus' death and resurrection to students as young as 3 and as old as 18.

Secondary students have spent the remainder of the day engaged in House Sports organised by our College student leaders. As I wandered around the College, it was so good to see them enjoying one another's company and unwinding after the first full term of face-to-face learning in well over 6 months.

I am praying for families as we move into the Easter break, that each family may enjoy genuine rest. I am thankful that at Easter time we remember Jesus' words from the cross -"It is finished.” These words are so powerful, reminding us that He has done the work needed for us to have a relationship with God and what that means for us is that there is nothing left that we can do except REST in what Jesus has done.

Felicity Marlow
Principal

Easter is my favourite time of the year! The chocolate eggs and hot cross buns (traditional fruit style only!) are fantastic, but it is the opportunity and time to reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus that always inspires me. It was at Easter time, sometime during the previous millennium, that I first accepted Jesus as my saviour, and as I read the accounts of the first Easter, I can’t help but to imagine my own reaction if I was there to witness the events.

We have the benefit of hindsight and knowing the full Easter story, but imagine the state of mind the disciples were in following the crucifixion of Jesus. They must have been at their lowest point. Many of those who followed Jesus had scattered, and his closest mates were living in fear and hiding behind closed doors. Their teacher, mentor and leader had been crucified. They had wanted to believe that Jesus could conquer all, but the mission seemed to be over. Was this the end? Would they now pack up and go home, or would they also be killed? The shock and despair following the death of Jesus must have been immense.
In John Chapter 20, we read that the disciples had found Jesus’ tomb empty. They had also heard Mary’s message that Jesus had risen. Could it be true or was Mary mistaken? The possibility of Jesus being alive seemed too good to be true. However, on the day Jesus rose from the dead, He appears to them with a message of peace.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” – John 20:19

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” – John 20:21

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” – John 20:26

What can we learn from Jesus’ message of peace?

1. Jesus gives peace to overcome our fears and worries

The disciples were facing an extremely stressful and emotional event. We read that the doors were locked as they bunkered down waiting for the worst. When we are challenged with the anxieties and worries of life, Jesus wants to give us peace. He desires to speak peace into all areas of our lives. Jesus’ peace transcends any circumstance we face and is beyond the emotions we have. Paul also reminds us of this in Philippians 4:6-7.

2. Jesus gives Peace so we can achieve his Purpose

Even while the disciples are huddled behind a locked door, Jesus tells them they are being sent out. Just like the disciples we are given a purpose by Jesus. Jesus’ peace inspires us to action. After putting our fears and worries into perspective He sends us out to achieve His purpose. The peace given to us gives us the confidence to move forward for His purpose.

During Easter we celebrate that God is with us! Christ has risen! As we rejoice in His victory over death may we all be inspired to share the good news of peace and new life with God. I pray that over the Easter break you will experience the rest, wholeness and confidence that comes with the peace that Jesus offers.

Daryl Hinton
Head of Secondary Years