Governance Corner
“Free to Flourish is the story for Lutheran schools and early childhood services, grounded in Christian beliefs and values and a catalyst for ongoing improvement and innovation.
Our learning story inspires a deep understanding of who we are and how we are created for relationship with God and all creation. We seek to honour the wisdom of our First Nations People as we grow appreciation of the interconnectedness of all.
Embracing the future with confidence, our learning communities grow learners who are compassionate, purposeful, adventurous, and relational.
We are free to flourish!”
I never get tired of reading this extract from our Free to Flourish introduction page. It’s always a good way of making sure that everything we do is grounded in this.
As I look back on yet another year, I am amazed and thank God for the incredible work our regional office and learning communities do day in and day out. Over 15,000 children’s lives are impacted in a positive way through your passion and dedication to providing high quality education, and just as importantly, in a way that shows the love of Christ in a positive and practical way.
At our board meeting on 24 November, we received a summary from our regional team regarding their work on our strategic intentions. It was a great way of being able to see the fulfilment of the strategic intentions to ensure it is a living document, rather than something you pop away in a drawer not long after completing it and never see again. Our five strategic intentions are as follows:
- To nurture the expression of grace as a reflection of God’s unconditional love through Jesus
- Growing Community – we are better together
- Holistic learning that serves others and enhances the world
- Strengthening our agility and sustainability
- Equipping governance and leadership for the emerging future
Through the summaries provided, the board was able to see the outworkings of the strategic intentions and the actions contributing to the success of the plan.
Craig Fielke and the regional team have been working tirelessly to deliver results that have a direct and practical benefit to our learning communities. We are blessed to have such a passionate and committed team!
As we come to the end of another year and look forward to the challenges we face in the years to come, I am confident that we are part of something that is bigger than ourselves. We have a compassionate, passionate, committed, and dynamic family that truly work better together. This is underpinned by a God that loves us and has a plan to prosper and not harm us.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:4-9)
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and New Year
Yours in His service
Paul
