Reach, serve and influence.

REACH. SERVE. INFLUENCE

These are my reflections, in a very fortunate position, whilst observing the prefects at a leadership camp at The Salvation Army, Blue Mountain Adventure Center in Raurimu, near the National Park. This little oasis is an absolute gem of a hideaway. The three large dormitory style lodges have comfy bunk beds, smart clean modern showers and well stocked self catering kitchens. We were there for three days. The first day included team building discussions and in door leadership, mind-switch games. The big indoor barn with an impressive climbing wall is a perfect getaway from the sun, or shelter from the rain and cold. Enthusiastic and well prepared outdoor instructors allow the visiting teaching staff and students to feel at ease while remaining excited about each new leadership challenge. My only regret was leaving my goPro at home because the white water rafting in a 2 man inflatable along the Tongariro River is an exhilarating activities worth capturing- note to self: make sure you get to do this again! Hopefully some of these photos echo my sentiments of three terrific days :

Teachers reach out, love and teach the learners in their care. We all really have no idea what they will turn out like by the time they are in their final school year, or when they leave school. Some serve in organisations and have a semi clear idea of what career path they would like to follow. The majority of students will stay on and continue to allow good teaching, programs and preaching to further influence their lives. It is such a delight as Year 13 Dean to have enjoyed the company of these wonderful young people on an adventure camp. Many have been at Elim their entire school career. They told tales of their new entrant years with Mrs Borrie, laughed about social experiments with Mr Hutchins and the wild debates with Mrs Rees. They reminisced about devotions and chocolates with Mr Laubser. Bush-veld Ferraris with Mr Johnstone and the stories went on... These are the privileged ones with whom the Elim Center's motto is alive. These young people are living examples of hope deposited by family, teachers and community along their school journey. They carry the hope of those who reached out, built into their characters, believed in them, listened to them and guided them. Just about every teacher i know at Elim Christain College is this type of teacher. Earnestly believing the best for each one of their learners; and deliberately connecting with each and every student in their class. These are the future of our nation. These young people are ordinary but are capable of extraordinary things. This next group of prefects are the ones who now are positioned to reach out to their peers and the juniors to serve them as good examples of Christian characters and these are the next generation of young Christian leaders who will influence not only their families but their friends, the school community and the nation.  My way of reaching out to my teaching colleagues is to encourage them all for the small or significant part they have played in shaping young lives. We know this... We need to hear it often! Our Elim Christian College learners are like the Iceberg- a success model. In year 13 we see and enjoy the pinnacle of social and academic achievement. But in moments like the prefect camp it is ever so clear that the real depth of characetrs and skills have been growing so purposefully over the past few years. So all teachers who in any or who in some way have taught and shaped young lives, this year of prefect success is due in-part and also to you. Well done all you good and faithful servants. Take a bow.