The school Singing and Bible story competition went to a new level this year, with our school Gymnasium as the venue for the first time. Around 700 people came to hear the singing and bible stories, and were also treated to spaceship crashes, ninja fight scenes,  a fake Jesus, and a Grandma eating pizza. 

Asher tribe continued their strong form in the singing competition, this year winning both the junior and the senior event. Meanwhile, Issachar Tribe were marginally ahead of Asher tribe in the bible story - with themes of how God will be with us always, and how faithful he is.  

"Praise God", were the first words out of singer Timote Muli's mouth when it was announced Zebradahs claimed second place in the regional finals.
Performing in their first ever Rockquest, the four piece group aged in years 9 - 13 at Cornerstone, won $400 in Rockshop vouchers for their efforts. The group also placed well in the regional competition. 

​The next step is to put together a music video for the national competition.

Cornerstone turned Pink for Pink-Shirt Day - standing for kindness, and not bullying.
Many students gave their hand print in a giant 'celebrating being us' mural.
​Staff also joined in with not just pink clothing but a pink morning tea shout as well.

As part of including our students of Swedish culture, at lunchtime today the national festival of Swedish Waffle Day was celebrated. In Sweden, March 25th is known as the day Jesus came into the world - nine months before Christmas, his birthday.

The queue of students lining up for a waffle were asked to sing the Swedish National Anthem, as well as what sauce they'd like.  

Thanks to the Swedish students who brought us a taste of their culture through hundreds of waffles, and for reminding us of the miracle of Jesus. 

Thank you to everyone who supported the annual Cornerstone Gala over the weekend.  From people and businesses who kindly donated goods, to those who manned a stall, or came and purchased food. It was a wonderful event bringing the cornerstone and wider community together.
​Around $25,000 was raised for various projects chosen by the Cornerstone Fundraising Group, including items for a new playground between A and D blocks. 

 Cornerstone's first ever Year 7-13 Prize Giving was a night of special memories, celebrating successes and fond farewells.

• In the school tribe competition the big lead that Zebulun and Naphtali had mid-year, was slashed by the year's final events. After the final event, which was school discipleship points, was counted Naphtali tribe won the overall shield by a whisker. 
• Winning sporting accolades were Kate McDonald with the Junior Sports cup, Natalya Bissell with service to sports, each playing coaching, and umpiring several sports.
  ​The Dux Ludorum award for overall sporting excellence went to Opeti Tuimana, recognised by Sport Manawatu as the top Hockey player in the region, after his achievements at national level.
• The top arts award, Dux Artium, went to Head Girl Lily Tongs, whose singing, drama and especially dance efforts in local competitions, were deservedly recognised.
• Academically, the inaugural Dux Litterarum was awarded to Caitlyn Brown, whose consistent academic prowess, also saw her win $16,000 worth of university scholarships.
• It was also a night of recognising Christian character and service to the school, with Olivia De-Groot, whose passion for service and helping others saw her volunteer in a number of places both in and out of school. Olivia was also recognised as Proxime Accessit, and Board of Trustees Representative. 

Goodbyes were said to leaving staff, including Assistant Principal Mr Black, who is heading to bible college next year. The night ended with a light-hearted farewell video from staff, to the school's first Year 13 class, many of whom had been together since pre-school. With former Principal Nigel Tongs on the piano, we sung our school song for the last time to departing students, reminding them of our purpose as Cornerstone Christian School.

We've just had Year 9 Activities Week and Year 10 Camp. Students served the community, enjoyed hiking, swimming, team building and even morning aerobics. There were meaningful worship times, games, and even some Bible smuggling. 

For many students it was a chance to get to know their class-mates and teachers better. At Year 10 camp, the games and activities were certainly fun, but for most the highlight of the week was encountering God in the evening worship. 

In a popular tradition at Cornerstone, Book Day was a celebration of literacy across the school. Guest readers from outside the school as well as senior students read to classes, along with a variety of other book-related activities. 

The costume parade was memorable and extravagant affair across all year groups with Staff also joining in with the fun. Students were tasked with dressing as a character from one of their favourite books.