February 19th, 2014 Putting the Pieces Together

From time to time we encounter situations where community is broken in our midst.  We strive and long for an ethos of caring but there are times when that breaks down.  It is essential to realize that there are multiple relationships with many different dimensions that are involved when there is an interruption of community.  It is one thing to punish the wrongdoer and then expeditiously move on but that can leave the situation still broken and in need of repair.  To ensure a healthy community we have to intentionally work hard at the multiple relationships we are faced with each day.  Specifically, when a student is in the wrong, how do we restore the situation to ensure we are taking positive steps from that point?  When situations arise with our students, our teachers and I work together with everyone involved to ensure that we try put back together the broken pieces.  Being involved in these situations has made me come to realize this, if the adhesive we use is anything but love then we fail.  What is bond together with vengeance, justice, respect or sheer convenience will surely fall apart again.   We choose a path of discipline because we love and we desire right harmonious relationships in the classroom, on the playground, on the bus, in the hallways and every other square inch of our community.  Please pray for the staff, students and parents as we endeavour to promote a caring community of Christ through guidance and discipline.