Sisonke 2026: Together
On Friday 26 June members of the St Mary's DSG community gathered for our annual Sisonke Service, a celebration of the values that hold us together and a time to pray for our school, our country, and our world.
The word Sisonke means "together". Throughout the service we reflected on what it means to belong to one another and to be part of a community where every person is valued and every gift is needed.
The service was filled with joyful singing, prayer, and worship. The Chapel Choir led beautifully, while solo contributions from two members of staff offered a memorable surprise for the congregation. A highlight of the service was the lighting of the new Sisonke Candle, which will burn in the Chapel in the coming year as a symbol of our unity and our commitment to love one another above all else.
In his homily, Mr Evans reflected on St Paul's image of the Church as the Body of Christ: "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). Just as a body depends on many different parts working together, our school community is strengthened by the contribution of every student, teacher, support staff member, parent, and leader. Our different roles do not divide us; they make us whole.
Drawing on the example of the recent Comrades Marathon, Mr Evans reminded us that endurance is rarely a solitary achievement. While runners prepare diligently, their success is sustained by the encouragement of fellow runners and the thousands of supporters who line the route. In the same way, we were encouraged by the words of Hebrews 12:1: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." We are not called to run alone. We are strengthened by the people around us and by the communities to which we belong.
During the prayers, we reflected on the idea that "the measure of a community is not whether everyone is the same, but whether everyone knows they belong." Together we prayed that love would have the louder voice, that we would choose what is right when courage is required, and that our lives would reflect God's love in our school, our city, our country, and our world.
At a time that asks much of us, the Sisonke Service reminded us that belonging carries responsibility. We are called not only to care for one another, but also to seek the good of others, to act with integrity, and to be people of compassion and hope.
The new Sisonke Candle will shine in the Chapel throughout the coming year as a sign that we are stronger together than apart. Challenges will come. When they do, may its light remind us to encourage one another and to hold one another up as we run with perseverance the race set before us.
