Principal's Page

A Final Word

The last two weeks have seen a great deal of activity in many areas.

Year 12 Highlights

Year 12 exams were completed and some pleasing results anticipated from our senior students. I congratulate the students and their inspirational teachers for celebrating and maintaining these great traditions in our School. One particular Year 12 student who has exemplified this academic excellence this year is Liam Johns.  In a first for this school, as a Year 12 student this year, Liam enrolled in two English Literature subjects at undergraduate level at Flinders University. He achieved High Distinctions in both of these tertiary units. In addition, he scored in the top 30% of all students in Australia who competed in the national Biology Olympiad.

This is Liam’s 13th year at this School. It is a wonderful testimony to the excellent teaching and encouragement of his parents, all of his Junior Primary, Primary and Secondary teachers over the years, and to his Senior Secondary teachers this year.  We congratulate Liam and will be following his career with great interest in the years ahead.

We also congratulate School Captain Amelia Rooney who has won a scholarship to prepare her for the Adelaide Conservatorium of Music.

We also acknowledge one of our 2019 Old Scholars  -  Hannah Munyard who has excelled in the field of women’s football, signing with Western Bulldogs AFLW team for 2020.

The Year 12 Formal was celebrated at the Stamford Grand at Glenelg. It was a special evening for the class of 2019. We wish them every blessing as they move on to new exciting opportunities.

Primary Swimming

Primary classes have been enjoying an intensive week of learning to swim at the Strathalbyn pool. This has been a very important and most enjoyable experience for them.

Seniors Connect Christmas Luncheon

On Tuesday 3 December some 50 senior citizens from our local community enjoyed a roast meal followed by delicious sweets all prepared by our Year 9 & 10 Food & Hospitality students. Under the expert guidance of Mrs Janine Henderson and the great support of Mrs Gail Megaritis and senior student volunteer Bianca Willsmore, these students excelled in their cooking, presentation and personal manner.

We were also thrilled to sing a series of traditional Christmas carols led by the beautiful tones of the euphonium expertly played by Mrs Henderson’s husband, Phil. It was a delightful occasion.

Year 6 Graduation Dinner

Our Year 6 students, under the wonderful guidance of their teachers Mrs Jessica Leslie and Mr Jason Schulz, enjoyed an exciting end of year dinner to celebrate the conclusion of their primary schooling. It was a delightful time of fun, fellowship, delicious food and special gifts.

Volunteers

We celebrated another year of wonderful help from our team of volunteers who bless our school in so many ways. Once again, Mrs Anne Bryant prepared a beautiful table setting that honoured the great work of our dear volunteers.

Model Railway Salvation Army fundraiser

We were thrilled to see the outstanding model railway display in the Strathalbyn Town Hall on Saturday 30 November. Under the inspirational leadership of old scholar, James Leigh and his enthusiastic team of students, the public event was a huge success. More than $1,600 was raised to support the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal to help the homeless.

Our Congolese Friends

A special fund-raising event was held at the Echunga Institute to support the work of Dr Luc Mulimbalimba and his wife, Delice from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Their five children have recently joined our school and we were delighted to share in the public event to raise funds in support of the school, hospital and university that Dr Luc has founded in his home country.  

Rite Journey Homecoming

On the evening of Wednesday 4 December our Year 9 students and their families enjoyed the beautiful relational experience of the Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony. This is always a deeply meaningful and moving experience as our young adolescents make another significant step towards adulthood. Special thanks to teachers Christina Lewis, Kirsten Milne and Ryan McGowan for their outstanding leadership of this excellent program.

French Cafe

On Friday 6 December the inaugural French Café was enjoyed by students from Years 3-6. The themes of French food, language and music made it a most delightful and memorable event. Special thanks to our French teachers Mrs Angela Williams and Mrs Leah Kats and their team of helpers.  

Gideons Bibles    

This week we welcomed Mr Peter Wilson from the Gideons Society to issue the free gift of a pocket New Testament to each of our Year 8 students. It is a special gift that we pray will bless each one as they journey through life. There is no substitute for God’s Word as they navigate today, tomorrow and the years ahead.

Final words

As I leave this position as Principal I warmly welcome Mr Sam Cheesman to the role from the beginning of 2020. As we all saw at the Meet the New Principal evening earlier this term and again at the Secondary Presentation Night last week, he is a most enthusiastic, caring and experienced Christian leader. I wish him God’s richest blessings as he takes on his new role.

In leaving this role I also wish to honour the work of Mr Mike Potter and the Board of Tyndale Christian Schools for the great ministry that they nurture at Salisbury East, Murray Bridge and here at Strathalbyn. They have made possible and are overseeing an outstanding form of educational excellence in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Nigel Croser

Principal