Bunny Farming?

Bunny farming? I had never considered the possibility of this particular career avenue until this week. 

On Monday afternoon, I was privileged to be a member of the audience at the Kinder Sanchez Christmas Event. A highlight of the afternoon was a video interview with the Kindergarten children exploring their ideas through some simple questions, such as what Mum and Dad do when they are at school and their thoughts about the future. Bunny farming was a delightful idea from one of our Kinder girls but it had a heart behind it.

“It is a privilege to hear the heart of our young people as they express profound truths about hope, faith, care, and concern for one another.”

As she briefly explained, she wanted to care for these bunnies and look after them. Whilst the idea might seem unusual, the heart of care and concern is something even us as ‘world weary’ adults can understand and appreciate. Another two students explained that one would like to work at the Police Station and another at the Fire Station which brought an incredible moment of insight from one boy as he turned delightedly to his friend and said, ‘we can see each other!’.

We are navigating a busy two weeks of celebrations at Calvin Christian School, including our incredible Year 6 students who stood yesterday in front of a room full of adults and family members and spoke of their experiences, their hopes for the future. It is a privilege to hear the heart of our young people as they express profound truths about hope, faith, care, and concern for one another.

It is worth stopping and listening to our young people. As the psalmist writes – ‘Out of the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’ (Psalm 8:2).

Scott Ambrose - Principal

What a privilege...

What a privilege it has been to step into the new role as Chaplain this year.

Chaplains have a special place in the school to come along side and check in, support, encourage and care for students.

Children and teenagers experience such significant growth and change throughout their school years. To think back and remember which teachers and other significant figures had an impact on you in school as you worked out the world, who you were, what you believe and what kind of person you wanted to be, is a humbling thought. It is true that it takes a village to raise a child. A child’s life can change when they receive support, love, grace and guidance from good role models. As Chaplain, it has been my goal to care for and support the students at Calvin, through lunch time groups, Veta Morphus, and regular check ins.

It is my prayer and hope that the students of Calvin will be able to reflect on their time here and be encouraged and thankful for the care, guidance, encouragement, love and support they have received.

Rosie Maxwell - Chaplain

I've lost a tooth!

“I’ve lost a tooth!” or “I have a wobbly tooth!” A worrying statement if made by one of us but a moment of delight for our younger students.

These are phrases that I seem to be hearing quite a lot lately. It is usually accompanied by an open mouth and an invitation to peer at the new gap in their teeth or to see the movement of the tooth still clinging on by its roots. Like many of you, I’ve also witnessed the shock and the delight of our young ones holding the tooth in their hands or the distress of having lost their tooth.

“I’m reflecting on these comments at a time of year with great significance for our students...”

I’m reflecting on these comments at a time of year with great significance for our students. For our Year 10-12 students, with exams underway or shortly to start, these are significant weeks and although they may not be rushing up to show us the evidence of these events, taking time to notice and celebrate, to encourage and listen is just as important as it is for our younger students.

I recently read an article that encouraged ‘skilful’ questioning and embracing the importance of ‘listening, curiosity, learning, and humility’. As parents and as a parent myself, there are times when, in the busyness of life, our listening might lack a sense of curiosity, learning, and humility for the things that our children share. I would love to have an attitude more like Jesus when he broke through the ‘adult’ world of those around him and allowed people to bring their children to him, blessing them.

What a privilege it is to be able to navigate these stages of life with our children, not just reminding them of how we did it but simply stopping to listen and supporting their growth to maturity.

Scott Ambrose - Principal

Chevallier et al., “The Art of Asking Smarter Questions”, HBR, (May-June 2024)