From the Principal

As we approach the end of Semester 1, I want to recognise the incredible growth we have seen in so many of our students. Over the past few weeks, we have been collecting and analysing updated student achievement data. One of our areas of focus since the middle of last year has been literacy development in the primary years. As part of this, our Learning Enhancement team have been updating assessments that track student growth in core skills.

We have seen outstanding progress from many students across each of our primary grades. These skills support student achievement in other areas of learning by helping to develop greater automaticity in reading and writing.

The first half of the year is often also a big learning curve for Year 7 and Year 11, as they get used to new routines and expectations. I want to congratulate them all on the positivity and openness to new experiences that so many of them have displayed.

Some of our Year 9-11 students depart for Japan on Friday. This will be an intensive 10 days of learning more about the language and culture of Japan, during which they visit some amazing cities and places of significance. I am sure the experience will be a big boost to the students' language learning and their understanding of God’s world. One of the points on their itinerary is a visit to a church in Tokyo, led by two Australian pastors. This will help students grow in their understanding that our God is Lord of all the nations. We pray for safe travel for the group.

I hope that our students have a refreshing holiday break and that the change of pace represents an opportunity for families to spend enriching time together. It is often the little things that make for the most special memories. In a fast-paced world, sometimes we can forget the importance of rest and quiet. God wants us to have time to rest. From the beginning, he instructed His people to keep the sabbath as a holy day. During His ministry, Jesus modelled the importance of stepping back from the demands on Him, often to pray and spend time with His Father.

Jodie Bennett

Principal