August 2026 Edition

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Newsletter Week 5 Term 3

Hastings Christian School

19 August 2026

From the Principal

A few years ago, (actually I just checked and it was 12 years which probably says a lot about my elevated age!) I wrote in the school newsletter a piece based on an article by Stephen Altrogge entitled, ‘Hold the Truth Tightly and Your Passionate Opinions Lightly.’ The title is a sermon in itself. What’s interesting to note is that this was written prior to the controversy that split our nation around vaccinations! With the political season starting to heat up, (not to mention a few rugby games happening at the moment!!) it’s timely to remind ourselves that when it comes to opinions on any number of issues there is definitely no shortage of material!

Two other ideas have contributed to my thinking on the importance of distinguishing between where/when we should stand our ground and where we should be prepared to exercise humility with the convictions we form.

The first, and most important, is found in the second half of Psalm 19 where David extols God's all sufficient revelation of Himself in His word the Bible. This week I was meditating on Psalm 19:7b which states, ‘... the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.’ When David says that God‘s word is sure he means it is certain, unwavering, immovable, reliable and trustworthy. You’ll go a long way to finding anything in this life that fits this description!

The second thing that contributed to my reflections on things that we can have unwavering convictions about came from reading part of the chapter from John Piper’s magnum opus work on the ‘Providence’ of God. Piper entitled one section in chapter 17, ‘How Does God Bring Job to Silent Blessedness?’ As you will no doubt be aware, both Job and his misguided friends/counsellors completely misunderstood the works and ways of God in Job’s life. To say that they had passionate and clear opinions would be an understatement – and yet each of them were spectacularly wrong!

When God finally speaks in chapter 38, he does not go into a defense of why He did what He did in Job’s life. Instead he gave over two chapters of questions that served to put Job in his place. By the end of the interrogation Job no longer needed an explanation. He was content to put his hand on his mouth and be silent - a lesson in itself for all of us!

Piper made the following insightful observation; Job got the message: “Job, there are ten million things about running the world of which you don’t know the first thing, but which I know perfectly. You are a finite, sinful creature who has no wisdom to run this world and is utterly ignorant of 99.99 percent of its processes. And that is an understatement. So it is presumptuous to assume you can counsel me about how to run a more just world. You can’t begin to know all that has to be taken into account in making decisions about how to run a wise and just and merciful world for my glory and for the joy of my people!”

The fact is that while Job and his friends didn’t have the written word of God at that point there was a lot that they knew about God, as evidenced by the things they said. They weren’t completely wrong in the observations and statements they made. This is where we too must be so careful as we use scripture to defend our own convictions. Taking verses out of context is one thing and ‘proof-texting’ is another but when it comes to making application of the truths of God’s word in your own or another’s life it is critical that this is done after taking the whole counsel of God into account and that this is done in humble recognition that you may still be wrong in your conclusions!!

This does not mean that we should have firm and clear convictions but it is important that these are founded and grounded in God’s word. Charles Spurgeon put it well when he said, “God's witness in his Word is so sure that we may draw solid comfort from it both for time and eternity, and so sure that no attacks made upon it, however fierce or subtle, can ever weaken its force. What a blessing that in a world of uncertainties we have something sure to rest upon! We hasten from the quicksands of human speculation to the terra firma of Divine Revelation.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

I finished the newsletter article I wrote all those years ago with the following reflection which is still as relevant today: In a school community like ours, where people are heavily invested in ‘the truth,’ it is crucial we understand and apply these principles in our interactions with each other. Coming from different denominations, backgrounds, with different opinions and in some cases different cultures, it is vital to distinguish between ‘gospel truths’ and those issues that are not hills to die on. It is good to have convictions and to stand for the truth – let’s make sure though that the sword of the Spirit that we are to use in demolishing satanically inspired arguments 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 isn’t used to inflict wounds on fellow believers, or that we bite and devour one another Galatians 5:15 with our passionate opinions!!

Perhaps that is the challenge for all of us: to hold the truth tightly, while holding our own opinions and conclusions with appropriate humility. We should be unwavering where God’s Word is clear, but humble enough to recognise that our understanding is not infallible. We can hold convictions firmly without holding them arrogantly, and we can disagree with one another without treating fellow believers as enemies.

After all, the goal is not simply to be right, but to be wise—and Psalm 19 reminds us that it is the sure Word of God that makes the simple wise.

Gavin Clark

Principal

Photo Day

Photo Day is tomorrow. You will recieve your child's photo access key by email after photo day. From here you can place an order for any photos you would like to purchase.

Sibling photo orders have now closed.

Primary parents - Please ensure your child is in correct school uniform ( especially socks and shoes) & send them in the HCS skort/short and NOT track pants. Thank you!

Primary Cross Country – Friday 21st August

This Friday, we are excited to be holding our cross country out at Still Waters, a beautiful location on the Tukituki River. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who have volunteered to help on the day. If we are unable to hold the event this Friday due to the weather, our postponement date will be the following Friday, 28th August.

Venue: Still Waters, 2501 Middle Road
Time: Departure by bus at 10:30am; returning to school by 3:00pm. First races will begin at 11:30am.
Postponement Date: Friday 28th August

What to bring:

Comfortable running clothes (students do not need to wear uniform)
Running shoes
Warm jacket or jersey (it is always a few degrees colder out there than in town!)
Warm change of clothes (to wear when not racing)
Drink bottle and lunch

We will be providing a hot milo, an apple, and a sausage for all of our runners.

Main Carpark Safety

Please continue to be vigilant when using the main carpark - especially afterschool. We will be monitoring student behaviour with bikes and scooters over the next few weeks to help ease recent safety concerns from parents.

Student Illness & Absences

Unfortunately the winter bugs have been doing the rounds and we have been experiencing large numbers of student absences this term due to colds, tummy bug and the more serious Influenza A. Please keep your children home if they are unwell which will help stop the spread of illness to other students and staff. Students should be well enough to learn and participate in regular class activities before they return to school.

Please remember to notify the office by 9:00am if your child is going to be away . Please send a message via the school app or give us a ring & leave a message on the answering machine. Thank you - this does save us a lot of time following up absent students in the morning.

Primary School Uniform

Here are some reminders of our uniform requirements for primary students. Please ensure your child has the correct items.

Shoes: Plain black lace up or velcro shoes/sneakers or black sandals (no white/coloured soles or logos) Sport shoes are permitted while participating in PE. No crocs or slides.
Socks: Boys: Navy school socks / Girls: Navy school socks or tights
Jewellery must not be worn at school except for the following. (wristwatches, medic alert bracelets, earrings - plain small round ear studs, one stud per ear, cultural or religious necklaces can be worn but should not be visible.)
Hair: Hair ties/bands should be black, brown or navy, hair clips black/brown or gold/silver. Hair should be tied back if longer than shoulder length & out of the eyesNail Polish: No nail polish.
Jackets & Scarves: An optional navy school jacket is available to purchase. Non uniform jackets and scarves can be worn to and from school. Due to health and safety reasons scarves are not to be worn in the classroom.
Thermals: Navy thermals can be worn underneath the school polo shirt.

All school uniform items should be purchased from NZ Uniforms www.nzuniforms.com

Please Don't Stop the Music 2026

One Stage. Five Houses. One Unforgettable Night.

We warmly invite our school families to join us for one of the highlights of the Hastings Christian School calendar, our Secondary House Event, Please Don’t Stop the Music, on Wednesday 26 August.

Our five houses will take to the stage with performances celebrating iconic hits from across the decades. Expect plenty of music, creativity, house spirit and entertainment!

Come along at 6:00 pm and cheer on our five houses! We would love to fill the gym with families celebrating the creativity, teamwork and enthusiasm of our students.

Wednesday 26 August | 6:00 pm
School Gymnasium

All school families are welcome.

One Stage. Five Houses. One Unforgettable Night.

Board of Proprietor Special Character Audit

Term 3, 2026

The 2026 Special Character Audit was a very encouraging and joyful opportunity to see how
faithfully our school is living out its Christian character. This year the focus was on Primary
School Mathematics, Social Studies and Technology.

The auditors found strong evidence that Christian character is being intentionally woven
throughout the curriculum and the everyday life of the school. In classrooms, students were
settled, respectful and engaged, while teachers were making excellent use of the newly
developed Christian curriculum. Christian values were evident not only in what was taught,
but also in the positive relationships and atmosphere within the classrooms.

The “HCS Way – Honouring God, Caring for Others, Striving for Excellence” was
clearly evident throughout the school. Students spoke positively about the culture of
friendship, kindness and community, with new students particularly appreciating the warm
welcome and genuine care they had received. It was especially encouraging to see that
students are not simply learning about Christian character but are demonstrating it in the
way they care for one another.

Teachers and leaders also expressed strong appreciation for the developing Christian
curriculum and the support provided to help them connect biblical thinking with every area of
learning. Their thoughtful reflections showed a genuine desire to keep growing and
improving in their understanding and practice of Christian education.

The audit also highlighted the positive impact of the Board of Proprietor’s investment in
curriculum development and leadership. The developing curriculum is providing a stronger
connection between the HCS’s Statement of Beliefs and what is taught in the classroom.
Overall, there is much for which to give thanks. The audit showed a school community
that is seeking to honour God, care for others and strive for excellence in its teaching,
relationships, leadership and stewardship.

We commend our Primary Principal, leadership team, teachers and students for their
commitment to the HCS’s Christian mission and pray that God will continue to bless and
strengthen the school as it provides an education that is Christ-centred, biblically
grounded and characterised by love, service and excellence.

Honouring God. Caring for Others. Striving for Excellence.
HBCSA Proprietors

Save the Date - Senior Formal

Formal Attire

Need someting to wear to the formal?

The students are organisng a clothes swap/borrow. See dates below.

If any parents have items they would like to donate/lend please message Mrs Andrews. r.andrews@hcs.school.nz

The Vine Student Podcast

Here is this week's episode.

The Vine Episode 15

Pizza Lunches

Available every Friday - order outside the staffroom before school. NO PIZZA THIS WEEK DUE TO CROSS COUNTRY.

Community Events

General Election Jobs

As we get closer to the 2026 General Election, we are beginning to build our local election team, and we would love your help in spreading the word.

Working for the Electoral Commission is a great opportunity to be part of something that makes a real difference to our communities. Our election teams are made up of people from all walks of life, and the skills, knowledge and connections that local people bring are incredibly valuable.

If you have staff at your school, whānau, friends or members of your local community who might be interested in supporting the delivery of GE2026, please encourage them to consider applying.

There are a range of temporary election roles available, with opportunities to work alongside a great team and play an important part in making sure people can have their say.

Applications are open now:
General Election 2026 - Tukituki + Ikaroa-Rāwhiti - Electoral Commission

RCH WOMENS CONFERENCE

Join us for a weekend of biblical teaching, encouragement, fellowship, and time together in God's Word, with Fiona Millar sharing practical, Christ-centred teaching on putting Titus 2 into practice in our everyday relationships.

When: 28–29 August 2026
Where: Hastings Reformed Church

Register here: https://rchwomensconference.wixsite.com/titus2