I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott

A happy Children’s Day to you!

I’m sure that many of you are very excited to join the carnival later.

Especially the P6s who have just completed their PSLEs!

Let’s all encourage them!

For the rest of P3-P5s, I’m sure you know that you’re coming next.

I’m sorry to be the messenger of bad news on such a nice day like Children’s Day.

But I’m sure you’re starting to feel it, having already started on your EYE orals.

Tests and exams are generally not very popular with students.

Yet it is still the most effective way for teachers and schools to know if you’ve understood all that has been taught.

Without these tough times, it’s tough for us to know,

how tough you are in tackling tough questions,

and how resilient you are in tackling tough and stressful situations,

which will be more common in secondary school and in working life.

Louisa May Alcott said,

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.:

Without storms, we won’t know whether the ship is just a pretty piece of wood, or a reliable mode of transportation.

Without storms, the sailor won’t know if the skills he’s learnt in sailing school are just useless knowledge,

or useful and important skills that will save him in a storm.

So without the storms of tests and exams, HOW will you and I know,

nocap, that your skills are legit or sus, useless or useful?

Moses told Joshua, in Deuteronomy 31:6:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.””

Moses’s time as a leader was coming to an end.

Just like the P6s who are going to be promoted, Moses wanted to pass down the true wise lessons he’s learnt to the P5 who’s taking over him.

Like the P6 school captain passing on the baton to the incoming P5 school captain, Moses had this to say.

Be strong and courageous, Joshua.

Do not fear or be in dread of tough times that come your way.

Remember how God helped us overcome the tough times in the past,

whether it was tough enemies or tough challenges,

like how God has provided food and water in the wilderness.

For it is the LORD your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you

Nor will he forsake you.

As the EYEs loom closer for the P3-5s,

remember that the LORD your God is going with you.

As the P6s think about what you’ve done and where you’re going,

remember that God will not leave you nor forsake you.

And for the P1s and 2s, as you’re adjusting to life as a saint in St Andrew’s School,

be strong and courageous in the storm and turn to Jesus your sure and steadfast hope and anchor.

Because with Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm, as we go sailing home.

Up & On!