Like many of you, I spent much of last weekend here at school. On Saturday, I spent my time helping to organise the Year 5 and 6 song and dance performances as well as running the target range stall at the Spring Fair. On Sunday, I then spent time at the back of the hall helping out with preparing the online broadcast of our 40th Anniversary service. It was truly an honour to play my roles in both of these milestone events.
Probably my favourite part of this celebration weekend was seeing our wider school community in action. Hearing from our school’s founding members, former and current staff as well as former and current students was a fantastic reminder of how our school began, where we are today and the importance of honouring God’s provision at Parkes Christian School.
Of course, I can’t mention our community in action without talking about the dedication and efforts of so many in the preparation and running of the past weekend. In the weeks leading up to the Spring Fair, I worked with several students from Year 5 and 6 to prepare and rehearse several song and dance routines to perform on the day. To do this, students voluntarily gave up their lunchtimes, practised their items, received feedback from me and would then meet during another lunch to repeat the process again. While this was a big task for these young people, I never once heard a groan or complaint. Quite the opposite in fact. They were always happy to rehearse and excited to present their items to our wider community.
And then there were our school stalls. As I explored the fair, it was so powerful watching our staff, students, parents and other community members volunteering on the day. There were smiles, discussions and a lot of fun. At my own stall, there wasn’t a single second of the day where I didn’t have at least two volunteers (usually many more) helping to run my stall. Once again, I noticed smiles, discussions but especially people who were just so happy to serve. This is something I was so grateful for across the day (particularly as stacking cups was tricky with all that wind).
This community spirit was so enriching, especially as I saw so many volunteering come in early to help us prepare and stay back late to help us pack up. As Jesus stated in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.” We certainly had more than a few at our events and it was so evident that Jesus was at the centre of it all. It’s truly humbling to be reminded of the generous community that makes up Parkes Christian School and one that I am so proud to be part of.
I hope you all have a well deserved restful weekend.
Matt
