Welcome from the Chaplain
The start of the school year is an exciting and busy time at school, with many activities centred around our chapel. We begin the year with prayer and worship, staff communion, and services of welcome and blessing for new girls and staff. We also induct Grade 7s, Grade 8s and Grade 12s into their new positions and responsibilities. This year included the milestone of opening the Grade 00 classroom and blessing the Foundation Phase buildings and classrooms. Blessing our classrooms is a reminder of Christ’s presence in all we do, and is accompanied by prayers for the safety and wellbeing of the children and teachers who work, learn and play in those spaces.
Our Grade 12 Task Leader Induction included a commitment from all the matrics to lead the school responsibly by their example. Thereafter the rest of the school promised to offer the leaders due respect, support and co-operation. The sermon drew inspiration from the Parable of the Talents (Matthew Chapter 25:14-23). The master leaves, entrusting his servants with a fortune, with no instructions, showing his belief in their ability to nurture and grow what they have been given. This is a story about flourishing, not hiding, and the positive effect such faith has on our community. The talents or bags of gold can represent our great treasure: the grace, gifts, and opportunities God has entrusted to us. As Paul writes in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not for others." Our task is to embrace these gifts and live fully, not out of fear, but with joy, perseverance, and courage. When we use our gifts to build community, we set others free to be themselves and allow them to shine as well. A highlight of this service each year is the moment in which the Head Girl is inducted and led to take her stall in the chapel for the first time. This is now Keke Litedu’s seat, alongside Mrs Howard, until the Valediction service. It represents the dignity of the Head Girl position and the well-deserved trust the community places in her.
While the start of the year is filled with welcomes, this year also brought a significant farewell for the Diocese of Pretoria. After nine years as Bishop, the Right Reverend Allan Kannemeyer conducted his closing service in a very full Cathedral of St Alban the Martyr. The service was attended by representatives of the St Mary’s DSG community. Not only has Bishop Allan been Shepherd of the Diocese, he has also been Chair of the Board during his term of office. Bishop Allan holds our Diocesan institutions close to his heart, and has been especially committed to education, serving on the Anglican Board of Education )ABESA) as well as the Archbishop’s Commission tasked with engaging with Anglican schools around the crises faced in recent years. Bishop Allan has served God faithfully throughout his ministry. He is known for his pastoral approach and has served humbly as a true shepherd for the people of the Diocese of Pretoria. We wish Bishop Allan and his wife, Auntie Connie, every blessing and joy over their retirement. Many farewell messages noted that the Bishop’s talents as a woodworker and carpenter, and his love for fishing aptly signify his role as Jesus’ disciple. We wish him the fulfilment he richly deserves as he returns to his hometown of Mossel Bay.
Being part of a Diocesan family that is wider than we first see forms part of our identity as St Mary’s DSG. Our traditions such as ringing the bell when being welcomed into the Senior school and the shared understanding of our rhythm of worship, work and recreation nurture our sense of belonging and emphasise our shared purpose. Mr Evans and I look forward to a year in which we continue to offer spiritual guidance, education and support to all members of our school community.
