This week, we were once again privileged to have Dan Warlow visit our Prep to Year 3 cohort, inspiring our students with music and a message of endurance.
It was an unforgettable experience as the children enjoyed a live concert by Christian children’s musician Dan Warlow. The excitement in the room was contagious, as many of our students had been singing Dan’s songs for years. They even performed one of his songs at last year’s Celebration Night, making this visit extra special.
Dan shared a powerful message with the students, reminding them that life is like running a race in the Olympics. As Christians, we are called to run with endurance and patience, striving for the ultimate prize—the crown of life. His puppet friend, Jed, had the crowd laughing as he attempted to train for the 2032 Olympics but quickly realised that success doesn’t happen overnight. Dan encouraged everyone to stay strong in their faith, put on the full armour of God and grow spiritually by reading the Bible.
A highlight of the event was the Dan Warl-o-lympics, where some of our teachers joined Dan on stage for a fun and light-hearted race. Every teacher received a team gold medal, despite the amusing fact that no competing teams existed! The students loved cheering them on and seeing their teachers participate in the fun.
Throughout the concert, the children enthusiastically sang along with Dan, especially to That’s How We Know God Loves Us, a song that reminds us of God’s immense love and sacrifice. The students brought the music to life with joyful voices and energetic actions.
We are so grateful to Dan Warlow for sharing his gift of music and his faith-filled message with our students. His visit was an inspiring reminder that we can keep running the race set before us with perseverance, faith, and God’s guidance!
Dan also encouraged us to visit Ask Jed for some fun videos about some serious and not-so-serious questions. Jed and Dan love to explore questions together that you may have about life, God and the Bible.
Reflect & Restore Update
Part of growing up is making mistakes, this is how we learn. At times your child will behave in a way that is contrary to our values at Heathdale. This is a normal part of growing up, it is also an important teaching opportunity.
At Heathdale, we believe that character formation is a vital part of Christian education, and we see challenges as opportunities for growth (Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 19:20). It may be that your child takes part in a Reflect & Restore session during lunchtime—a guided process to help students reflect on their choices, understand how they affect others and consider how they can restore trust and relationships.
You will receive notification of any Reflect & Restore sessions, and it is our desire that you partner with us in this process. At times, your child will have a different version of events, and this is always discussed during the session. As parents, you too may feel differently; however, this, too, is an opportunity to show your child how we partner together and learn.
We are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to seek reconciliation if and when relationships are strained (2 Corinthians 5:18). Through the Reflect & Restore process, we encourage students to take responsibility for their actions, seek forgiveness and make things right, reflecting the grace and truth that Christ models for us.
During this session, your child will reflect on key questions such as:
1. What choices did I make that caused a problem?
2. Who or what was harmed?
3. How has the relationship been impacted?
4. What can be done to repair trust?
Our goal is to guide students toward wisdom and responsibility, helping them grow into young people who reflect Christ-like character and develop their God-given potential.
We always value your partnership in this journey and encourage you to have a conversation with your child at home about what they are learning through this process.
Some links you may find helpful are:
- The Peacewise model we use for addressing conflict
- The Student Code of Conduct and
- Our College’s Behaviour Management Policy.