One of my favourite books is called Everyday Theology. Reading it has been helpful, as I look to ensure that the beliefs that I hold as a Christian are lived out in everyday life. One of my favourite chapters concerns shopping. Our culture can be one that encourages the buying and consuming of goods and services. While we all look to buy what we need, for example household goods, we are often invited through advertising and product placement to purchase and consume more.
Being aware of this helps me to know that there are multiple stories that compete for my attention as I live. For example, there is a cultural story, an Australian story. There is also a Gospel or Christian story. As followers of Christ, it is important that we are attuned to the stories that seek to grab our attention. This is true for both my own life and when considering Christian schooling. Of course, all of this reminds me of those words from Colossians 3:15-17:
“Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” (The Message)
Wintry Lunchtimes
Now that we are very much into the wintry months, I want to make you are aware of our regular lunchtime activities here on the Melton campus.
The campus library is open three times during the week, usually on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday when Mrs Duncanson is here. It is a great space for all to come to read or participate in an activity. It also provides an opportunity for students to complete classroom work.
On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday there are different activities in the Music Room. Every Monday lunch there is a recorder club for Primary students. On Tuesday, Mr Danson and Mr Kirkman have a drumming group, which is also available for Primary students. On Thursday, our Secondary students access the music room to play or “jam” with others.
Each Wednesday students in Years 5 to 9 can participate in Art Club, which is of course, held in the Secondary Art Building. Students usually work on shared projects, but there is also an opportunity for Secondary students to finish off their projects.
With respect to Secondary student projects, on a visit to the Art Building this week, I noticed a few juice containers. As part of their work, our Year 7 and 8 Visual Communication and Design students have been designing and making drink containers.
I love the creativity of our students in this Art Club!
In addition to these lunchtime activities, Melton regularly has one-off events, many of which are sports competitions. Additionally, our Melton Student Leaders are currently working with College staff on a few other ideas, as together they look to encourage community and creativity.