Staying at the Table

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Christian Educational National Executive Conference. The theme of the conference was Leaders Stay at the Table.

As humans we have many differences, these include cultural, political, moral, theological and even economic differences. In the midst of these differences, how do we lead our communities in grace and truth? Matthew Kaemingk from Fuller Seminary in California spoke about two common approaches Christians often take. Some build high walls, expecting others to assimilate. Others leave their doors wide open, offering compassion and assistance to the vulnerable.

However, he challenged us to consider an alternative posture—one of table hospitality. Too often, we see differences as problems to be solved. But what if, instead of striving for answers, we focused on being a non-anxious presence in our community, showing grace and love?

Jesus himself sat at many tables with people who held deep differences. Our natural response is often fear or self-protection, but we don’t need to be afraid of engaging with those who see the world differently. Our roots are firmly planted in the gospel.

The kitchen table at home is where this begins. It is where we nurture our children, helping them build a strong identity in Christ. As they grow, they will be equipped to engage with the world - standing firm in their faith while being a loving and counter cultural presence.

We, along with our students, live in a world of differences. Our role is to prepare them to face these challenges, to walk in repentance, and to go out into the world as a reflection of Christ’s love. May we be a community that not only welcomes people to our table but also willingly sits at theirs.

Margaret Louw - Principal

THIS Saturday 5 April from 12.00 - 2.00pm.

Come and join us in prayer this Friday after line-up, in the Channel meeting room. We pray that as a school community we may shine a light on the gospel with our friends and families. All welcome.

If you can spare half an hour to help out on the day please sign up here.

Swimming lessons for Year 3 - 6 students start on Friday 4 April and go through until Thursday 10 April. Lessons are being held at the Kingston Pool between 11.30am - 1.10pm. Students will travel to and from the pool on our school bus.

Students must bring:

• bathers (speedos/trunks for boys and one piece for girls)

• a towel

• a swimming cap and/or goggles (optional)

• a good size bag to place their wet items in

Students can bring thongs/crocs/uggies to wear on the way to the pool to minimise items to lose and to save time putting on socks and shoes with wet feet. Note: school shoes must be worn for the rest of the day.

Students can also wear their swimmers underneath their school uniform (if practical); however, please remember to pack underwear. Please ensure that all items of clothing are named and that students bring a clearly labelled bag to store their clothes while they are swimming.

The schedule for swimming is as follows:

• Year 3/4: 11.30 - 12.00

• Year 5/6: 12.05 - 12.35

• Year 4/5: 12.40 - 1.10

Please contact the office if you have any questions.

Last Thursday Channel competed in the Huon & Channel Athletics Carnival in Huonville. The sun was shining, and right from the first event we knew that this would be a day to remember! 

The first races of the day were the Year 3 100m sprints, where Alfie and Maple both came in first place! This set the tone for the rest of the day, with Amira (Year 4), Sophie (Year 5), Chaeu (Year 6) and Liv (Year 6) all winning their races as well!  

Ribbons were being handed out left, right and centre as the Channel students continued to place first, second and third in many of the other events too, including in the 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, shot put, long jump, high jump and the relays! So successful were they that Mr Davis could not keep up with how many ribbons were actually handed out - I've done my best to list the 1st/2nd/3rd places below, but apologies if I missed any!  

100m: Alfie (1st), Maple (1st), Amira (1st), Sophie (1st), Chaeu (1st), Liv (1st), Fitz (3rd)

200m: Maple (1st), Amira (1st), Sophie (1st), Noah (1st), Liv (1st), Fitz (2nd)

400m: Maple (1st), Sophie (1st), James (2nd), Eliza (2nd), Elijah (2nd), Elspeth (2nd), Fitz (3rd)

800m: Lizzy (1st), Matilda (1st), Chaeu (2nd), Liv (2nd), Elspeth (2nd)

1500m: Maple (2nd), Alfie (1st), Elspeth (2nd), Archie (3rd)

Long Jump: Fitz (1st), Liv (1st), Nell (2nd), Lizzy (2nd), Eliza (2nd), Elijah (3rd), Archie (3rd), James (3rd)

High Jump: Chaeu (1st), Sage (2nd)

Shot Put: Chaeu (2nd), Sage (3rd), Ezz (2nd)

Relays: Year 4 Girls (1st), Year 5 Boys (3rd), Year 5 Girls (2nd), Year 6 Boys (1st), Year 6 Girls (2nd) 

While there were many highlights of the day, one of the best moments was when Eliza (Year 5) stepped in for an injured runner in the Year 6 400m, and came in 2nd place! As the day came to a close it was time to announce the overall results. With much jubilation it was announced that Channel Christian School were the winners of the carnival! The team celebrated their win and thanked God for a wonderful day. Hopefully you'll be able to see our winner's shield displayed somewhere around the school. 

Will Davis - PE & Year 5/6 Teacher

Soccer Update

We have received further information from Central Regions Junior Football Association (CRJFA) that all players now need to be registered before rosters are able to be done. Please register your children as soon as possible.
An email was sent out last Thursday with a link for player registrations. 

Throughout Term 1, the Kinder to Year 2 students have engaged in regular outdoor learning sessions with Kara Spence. Students and their teaching staff have benefited from her experience and expertise in nature play and learning.