Dear parents and carers

It is abundantly obvious that in schools we need to concern ourselves with knowledge. We need to know things in order to function in everyday life. At a more elevated level, the last several hundred years of formal education have recognised that there is a core of knowledge which is essential to being an educated person. This is why the cognate disciplines, such as English, Mathematics and the Sciences, the Social Sciences and History, the Creative Arts, including Music, Visual Arts and Drama, Foreign Languages, Personal Development/Health and Physical Education have been perennials in curriculum. Indeed, the Christian gospel is founded on knowledge, from knowledge of God and knowledge of facts such as the resurrection of Jesus. One of our issues at this time in the Western world is cultural amnesia, that is, loss of knowledge of the formative influences of our world, including the impact of Christian faith, and whether there is such a thing as knowledge or whether everything is relative to the mind of the observer.

Biblical Perspective on Knowledge and Wisdom

While the Bible confirms the importance of knowledge, it approaches it through a particular frame. The Apostle Paul wrote that “knowledge will pass away” (Corinthians 13:8) at the end times. He struggled, as do we, with pagan wisdom, which he regarded as pseudo-wisdom which, although externally impressive, was hollow - 1 Corinthians 1:20 “Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”. Paul’s argument is best read in full in 1 Corinthians 1:22-31 and 1 Corinthians 2:6-8. Paul sets up an antithesis between lack of knowledge and real wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:8 “None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. “). Paul was being buffeted, not just by Aristotelian philosophy in the Greek wisdom schools, but an unhappy and illegitimate marriage of this with Chistian thinking, just as we are buffeted by contemporary philosophies that will deny faith.

Paul’s Prayer for Wisdom

It is therefore interesting to see what Paul prays for concerning the young churches that he had planted (Ephesians 1:17 “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better”). Indeed, he elaborated extensively on this theme, which is best read in full in Ephesians 1:17–23 and 3:14-21. This is consistent with the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, as seen in Proverbs 3:13 “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding”. The implications for a Christian school like Covenant are that we certainly want our students to graduate with extensive knowledge but also critically with wisdom. Proverbs places a premium on that wisdom which is knowing God. We see this elsewhere in the New Testament in James, who encourages us that “if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God for it” (James 1:5). When King Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than riches, this was so consistent with the mind of God that he received both.

Knowledge, Wisdom and Love

Knowledge plus wisdom! But there is more. “Knowledge puffs up” – Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:8 He had seen this in the arrogance of young Christians in Corinth. To knowledge and wisdom, he added love 1 Corinthians 13:8 “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. “

At Covenant, our desire is to graduate students with deep knowledge, real wisdom and love for others. It is a lofty goal in which we seek to partner with our parents.

Regards

Dr John Collier

Interim Principal

We are grateful for the community support behind our inaugural Abundant Life Week. Through a wide range of events across the week, our high school students learnt how to monitor their own wellbeing, check in with their friends about mental health, care for those outside our community, and ultimately learn how God is the source of all comfort, purpose, and certainty in our lives. Our student leaders were courageous in sharing personal stories about how they have put their faith in God through difficult times and did a wonderful job leading the launch of the 2026 Push Up Challenge as well as other grade-based events throughout the week including a Year 11 fellowship night and Year 9 trivia event. We especially thank Covenant parents Stephen and Sarah Morse for their powerful sessions with Year 7 and 8.

Over the next few weeks, Home Classes will have the opportunity to put some of these lessons about caring for others into action, supporting the Year 10 Wellbeing Drive by collecting non-perishable items for LocalKind, an organisation who with the homeless community on the Northern Beaches.

Mark Childs

Head of Wellbeing (7-12)

The FPS international team have had a wonderful few days in Toronto, soaking up the city. Some highlights include

- Cheering for the Blue Jays at the baseball

- Visiting Toronto Island

- A day trip to Niagara Falls

There have also been plenty of opportunities for study as we prepared to tackle the topic of Forestry at the International Coherence.

In our devotions time we have been exploring how our understanding of the science of forests can help us deepen our understanding of God's word and it's making in our lives. In exploring Jeremiah 17 5-8, students shared some of the following insights

Healthy top soil is needed for growth. More than 95% of the world's food growth depends on healthy top soil. We need to make sure that we are planted in good soil, where we can grow well.

Trees work best when they are planted together because their root systems and mycorrhizal fungi networks support each other. We need to surround ourselves with people who will support us as we grow in our faith.

A tree needs to develop a deep root system to grow well. In times of stress (eg drought) shallow roots won't be able to find water to survive. Our faith needs to be rooted in Christ so we can grow strong and be supported in times of stress.

Thank you for continuing to pray for the team while they are away. At time of writing the team was about to head to the International Conference at Indiana University in Bloomington. By the time you read this they will have completed their competition booklets and will be working on action plan presentations, where the have the opportunity to share their solution with an audience.

Amanda Drain

Extension and Enrichment Coordinator (K-12)

Monday 15 June | Morning Lines Rumpus Room

Monday 15 June - Friday 19 June, 8.00-11.00am | Cafe Covie open for parents

Tuesday 16 June | CSSA Secondary State Netball Gala Day

Tuesday 16 June | Primary Zone Boys Metro Cup Football Gala Day

Wednesday 17 June, 7.00pm-8.30pm | School Association Information Evening

Thursday 18 June | CIS Primary Girls Softball Trials

Sunday 21 June | Japan Mission Training Event

Don't Miss Out

Association Information Evening

The Covenant Christian School Board are pleased to host an evening for you to find out more about the Association and to consider Association membership.

Please RSVP Now

We look forward to seeing you there!

Parent EQUIP Night - Social Media & Online Behaviour

Join us on 29 June for an empowering seminar on Social Media and Online Behaviour. This seminar gives parents a clear, research-based understanding of how porn and social media shape young people's brains, relationships, and sense of self. Parents learn the key risks of the online world and how to talk about them with confidence. Practical tools for prevention, early intervention, and family-school partnership equip parents to support healthier digital habits and guide their children toward safe, resilient online engagement.

Presenter Dr Rev Marshall Ballantine-Jones
With over 25 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families, Marshall is dedicated to empowering schools and communities with programs that tackle the challenges of online behaviour head-on.

Book Now

Subject Selection Evening

We are holding a Subject Selection Evening for parents and students in Year 8 and Year 10. This a great opportunity to speak to staff about subject choices for Year 9 and 10 (current Year 8 students and parents), and Year 11 and 12 (current Year 10 students and parents). This information evening will be held in K Block Performing Arts Space (PAS) and the School Hall.

Please refer to the Letter sent earlier this week

We look forward to seeing you there!

At Covenant, we believe every child should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a Christ centred environment. Our Bursary Program provides financial assistance to families who deeply value Christian education but are facing financial challenges.

One Covenant Bursary family shared: “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. What an incredible blessing and answer to prayer it was to receive this bursary… ‘Lord, if it is Your will, make a way.’ And He did.”

Through the generosity of our community, prayers are being answered and doors are being opened.

Your support will make a great impact! By contributing to the Covenant Bursary Appeal by June 30, you can help families who long for providing their children with a Christian education, but face financial barriers.

Give Now

Thank you for your support!

Prep Brings Vivid to Covie

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Year 9 Stronger Connections Workshop

Year 9 students had the opportunity to participate in the Stronger Connections workshop, facilitated by Unleashing Personal Potential. This engaging and interactive session drew on research from psychology, neuroscience, and education to encourage students to reflect on how they can uplift others and practise active listening. Through meaningful activities and discussion, students were equipped with practical strategies for building authentic and supportive friendships!

FPS Team - Toronto Highlights

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Wellbeing Drive

The Secondary School is participating in a Wellbeing Drive until the end of term 2. Students are being asked to bring in pantry items to their Home Class and there will be a pizza party for the Home Class which brings in the most items. The food will be delivered to LocalKind, Manly. This NGO serves the vulnerable and at-risk people, including the homeless community, on the Northern Beaches.

Please view listed items here