March 2026 Edition

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Newsletter Week 9 Term 1

Hastings Christian School

25 March 2026

From the Principal

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, one question that needs to be asked and answered is: What does it mean to be human?

We live in a moment where machines can write, speak, analyse, and imitate conversation so convincingly that the line between human and nonhuman can feel blurred. Yet Scripture draws that line clearly, and decisively.

Genesis 1:26 tells us that humanity is uniquely created in the image of God (Imago Dei). This means we are not merely processors of information, we are embodied persons - made for relationships and made to reflect and glorify God.

As Samuel James explains in his Desiring God article entitled, ‘How is AI Shaping You?’ ‘AI may appear intelligent, but it is ultimately pattern recognition, not personhood. It can process information, but it cannot think, love, or know the truth in a human way.’

This is where the distinction matters. Humans bear God’s image; machines reflect human input. Tim Challies captures this difference powerfully when he makes the point in his article, ‘AI makes him doubt everything;’ “AI is all of the world’s facts without any of humanity’s wisdom. It is knowledge without a heart and data without a mind. It is the impassive articulation of ideas processed through a CPU rather than a brain. It doesn’t know right from wrong, it doesn’t know truth from lie, it merely ‘knows’ what it has gleaned from the billions of bits of data fed into it and then pieced together through an algorithm, an algorithm that is as slanted and biased as the people who created it.”

Being human is not just about knowing things, it is about knowing rightly. Wisdom in Scripture is not mere information. It is a heart shaped toward God - thinking, feeling, and choosing in alignment with Him. AI can give answers, but it cannot give wisdom. AI can simulate conversation but it cannot offer love, prayer, or moral discernment. The deeper issue is not what AI can do, but what it might do to us.

As Samuel James went on to warn, technology is never neutral; it shapes us. If we outsource thinking, creativity, and even counsel to machines, we risk becoming less human, less reflective, less relational, less dependent on God. Even more subtly, we may begin to treat machines as if they are human, and in doing so, begin to treat humans as if they are machines.

Most importantly, to be human is to reflect God Himself and this is where AI falls short completely. It has no soul, no conscience, no capacity for worship. It cannot know God, only describe ideas about Him.

As God’s image bearers we are also called to, ‘speak the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15.) Yes we must look for ways to build up and encourage but we are also called to warn, rebuke, and admonish when necessary. This is something that AI cannot do.

I recently read a post from the Axis parenting website that said, ‘While ChatGPT can help you organize a spreadsheet or figure out your math homework, if you ask it for life advice, it will repeatedly build you up and help justify your actions, even if you’re totally in the wrong. LLM chatbots require users to keep the conversation going with it; otherwise, it fails—hence chatbots “glazing” (giving excessive praise) to their users.’ The post went on to say, ‘AI chatbots are woefully unable and unprepared to disciple people, to lovingly call them away from unhealthy–or even sinful–behavior and gently guide them back to Christ.’

So how should we live in the light of this? By all means use technology, but do not let it redefine you. Benefit from tools, but do not replace what only humans can do. Not only ask, “What can AI do for me?” But, “What is this shaping me to become?” Because ultimately, the goal is not efficiency, it is faithfulness.

As God’s image bearers, in a world of artificial substitutes, we are made to know and love Him - and no machine, no matter how advanced can ever say that.

Car Park Changes

We have added a pedestrian crossing at the end of the main parking area to make it safer for students to cross, especially after school. To do this we have removed one of the angle parks. Please remember to be vigilant when using this carpark. Parents are able to park on the grass area by gate 4.

Secondary Parent-Teacher Interviews

More information and a link to the booking site will be sent out via the school app tomorrow. We encourage you to take the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher to discuss their progress. Secondary School Interview times will be as follows:

Tuesday 28th April

Session 1 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm

Session 2 3.30 pm - 5.00 pm

Thursday 30th April

Session 1 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Session 2 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm

Monday 4th May

Session 1 1.30 pm - 3.00 pm

Session 2 3.30 pm - 5.00 pm

Wednesday 6th May

Session 1 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Session 2 5.30 pm - 7.00 pm

On Tuesday, the 28th of April & Monday, the 4th of May, classes will finish for students at 12:45 pm (lunchtime) to allow enough time for teachers to prepare for interviews.

School Accounts

Please ensure invoices for school items such as music tuition, technology, sport, student diaries, have been paid by the end of the term.

Term 2 Sports Registrations - Primary School

Registrations for Term 2 Primary sports have moved from paper forms to an online form using Google Forms. Please click the link below to view information about the Term 2 sports on offer and to complete the registration form for your child. All registrations must be submitted by Tuesday 31 March.

Primary Term 2 Sport Registration

If you have any questions, please contact Nadia Saathof n.saathof@hcs.school.nz

Photolife Student ID Photos - new process

Photolife have sent emails direct to parents to order student ID cards. This is a new ordering platform they've introduced. If you want a student ID, please go online to purchase before 12th April. If you do not receive the email, contact the office for your unique code. In previous years ID cards have been produced for all students and charged to your school account. They will now only produce cards for those who order.

Vietnam Trip

Next Thursday a group of year 12 & 13 students will be travelling to Vietnam on a cultural trip with Mrs Andrews and Mrs Nicoll. Please pray for safety for the group while they are away. We trust that this will be a great learning experience for them all.

Secondary Athletics

BIG congratulations to all our athletes who competed at the regional athletics last week. Out of the 10 athletes we had 7 podium finishes. Omega Stowers and Petra Palmer both earned spots at the North Island Champs. Well done!

Teacher Only Day

There will be a whole school teacher only day on:

Tuesday 2nd June (Tuesday after King's Birthday)

This will be a day where staff will focus on the Special Character of the school.

Peak Trail Blazer Event

There was plenty of HCS pride on display at the Peak Trail Blazer last weekend. After weeks of preparation, our students conquered the 12.8km trek up Te Mata Peak and back, displaying wonderful sportsmanship and perseverance. A massive congratulations to the HCS Rapid Runners (Ezra Andrews, Nina Saathof, and Emily Hayes), who claimed 1st Place in the Mixed Team category! Your hard work in training truly paid off. Well done to everyone who represented our school with such strength and enthusiasm.

Te Mata Peak Visit

B1 has stepped back into their role as kaitiaki, caring for a special patch of native trees on Te Mata Peak. Students worked hard to protect the young seedlings by stomping down grass, removing weeds, and clearing away snails that can damage new growth. Along the way, they learned about pioneer species and the important role they play in creating conditions for larger native giants such as tōtara, kahikatea, and rimu to thrive. To finish their mahi, students enjoyed some well-earned time exploring the Redwoods, building huts and making the most of our beautiful local environment.

Swimming

Congratulations to Logan Vlok Y7 for an outstanding effort at the Hawkes Bay Intermediate School Swimming Championships. Logan achieved second place in 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly. An excellent result that reflects his hard work.

Shining a Light on Epilepsy Awareness

This month, New Zealand is focusing on Epilepsy Awareness to foster an environment of understanding and support for those living with seizure disorders including those within our HCS community.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of the central nervous system, specifically of the brain . It is characterized by the tendency to have recurrent seizures and affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to remember that epilepsy looks different for everyone; while some may experience physical convulsions, others may have brief "absence" seizures that look like moments of staring into space. By educating ourselves on seizure first aid we can ensure our hallways and classrooms remain a safe, inclusive space for all. Together, we can clear away the stigma and replace it with compassion and informed action.

Here are some good reminders should we find oursleves in a situation where someone is having a seizure.

Seizure First Aid: The Basics

Stay Calm - Stay with the person until they are fully awake.

Keep Safe - Move sharp objects away; do not restrain their movements.

Side Position - If they are on the ground, gently turn them onto their side.

Time It - Note the start and end time of the seizure. If a seizure lasts longer than five minutes or it is the person's first known seizure, call emergency services immediately.

School Sores (Impetigo)

We have had a number of students with school sores this term. It is a bacterial skin infection most common in children:

it starts with blisters on exposed parts of the body, such as hands, legs and face
the blisters burst and turn into a sore with a yellow crust that gets bigger each day
the sores are itchy
the sores spread easily to other parts of the skin
school sores easily spread to other children and adults if they touch the sores

If your child is showing signs of having school sores:

Children should see a doctor for assessment and treatment. Careful cleaning of the sores and the use of antiseptic or antibiotic cream may be advised. Sometimes oral antibiotics are prescribed.
Children must stay away from school until crusts have dried out, at least a full 24 hours after treatment has started, or as advised by a doctor. The school office will contact parents to collect their children if any sores are weeping.

Further information can be found here - https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/school-sores