HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT IND 180 May 2025 | Page 22

EDUCATE ME

EDUCATE ME

Imago Day- composing peace

In a world marked by unrest and division, it is more important than ever to reflect on our identity and the inherent value of every individual. At Norwest and Ngarra Christian Colleges, we dedicate a special day each year— Imago Day— to pause and reflect on a foundational truth: that every person is created in the image of God.
‘ Imago Dei’, a Latin term meaning‘ Image of God’, refers to the belief that human beings are created in God’ s likeness, as described in Genesis 1:27. This belief influences how we view ourselves, others, and our place in the world.
This year’ s Imago Day theme, Composing Peace, offered a timely and powerful message. We focused on how, through our differences, God composes something beautiful and harmonious in our community.
In the lead-up to Imago Day, students across both colleges engaged in daily devotions and classroom discussions, exploring what it means to be made in God’ s image. They reflected on their identity, uniqueness, and how their individual gifts and perspectives enrich our community. Teachers guided students in recognising that being created in God’ s
image means embracing both our shared humanity and the beauty found in our diversity.
The celebration culminated on Thursday 3 April, when students and staff were invited to wear cultural dress, share stories of heritage, and participate in activities showcasing our diverse backgrounds. From the Early Learning Centre to the Secondary School, the campus came alive with vibrant colours, music, dance, and exploration of traditional foods. Secondary students enjoyed learning new languages, performing cultural dances, and sampling
cuisines from around the world— demonstrating that our diversity is not only accepted, but celebrated.
Imago Day is more than an annual event; it is a declaration of who we are as a community. It reminds us that every person— student, staff member, and family— is wonderfully made, deeply loved, and uniquely gifted. Our colleges are committed to nurturing a community where each individual is seen, valued, and inspired to fulfil their purpose.
To learn more about education at Norwest Christian College, please visit www. norwest. nsw. edu. au.
22 ISSUE 180 // MAY 2025 theindependentmagazine. com. au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT