The End of Term 1 and Easter Just Around the Corner

It is with great pride and pleasure that I commend our College students and staff on the absolutely brilliant start to the 2019 academic year. It seems not so long ago we were preparing for the beginning of Term 1 and here we are approaching Easter with many wonderful achievements.

New staff and students have settled in amazingly well to the LJBC College community, with positive stories emerging of new friends having a positive impact on the community spirit of LJBC. We all know that this is due not only to the quality character and positive attitude of those joining us but also in no small part to the sense of community and care which continues to grow through the students and staff commitment to ensuring everyone finds their place at LJBC. This high level of respect for everyone at LJBC every day continues to grow, as is evident through the progress made so far this year, however we are acutely aware that there is still more to do as individuals continue to face challenges and don’t always feel supported and cared for appropriately. As we continue to become aware of the individual challenges for students and staff, it is important that we encourage each other to ‘find our voice’ and stand with those who need support in having their needs met, relationship differences resolved and comfort in times of challenge.

It has been wonderful to see the College community coming together recently through the time of sadness, as we grieve together over the loss of our dear colleague, teacher and friend, Mrs Coetzee. Although we still have further to go in the healing process, how pleasing it is to see the progress made and the unity being showcased during this difficult time. May I encourage you to continue to be sensitive to those in need, caring for each other as a strong community does and being willing to be ‘family’ to each other in the true sense of the word.

There have also been a number of initiatives developing nicely within the College, some of which are highlighted in this edition of the eNewsletter. Bringing notable excitement this week has been the arrival of Maxi, our Primary School Comfort Dog. Maxi has had a significant impact already, not only playing the ‘Cuteness Card’ with everyone she meets, but also by the way she has taken each challenge in her stride, learning everyday and giving the best snuggles one could imagine. Maxi joins Cooper, who works in the Secondary area, with both of them getting along well with each other and enjoying their canine friendship, even though Maxi has been showing a little bit of attitude and assertiveness which Cooper is adjusting to (you have to love ‘Girl Power’!) We look forward to the continued development of this program, and if you want to know more about how these furry friends will help students and staff, please feel free to check out our website, catch up with our College Counsellors and Chaplains, and look out for updates on social media.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a blessed holiday break and an enjoyable Easter weekend. This is such a significant and precious season for us all as we are reminded of God’s amazing grace and love for us through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus, so we can be set free of our baggage and imperfections. We continue to give praise and thanks to our loving Heavenly Father for all that He is doing for us as a learning community at LJBC. His provision of each one of you to become part of our ‘LJBC Family’ is such an absolute delight and we thank God every day for the honour and privilege we have been given to be able to journey together.

God’s richest blessing and hand of protection over this holiday period.

Regards

Daryl Pollard

College Principal