Dempsey's Digest

It’s that time of the year when people are more susceptible to getting sick, and there are certainly a fair share of colds and flus floating around. A number of our students and our staff have been unwell over the past few weeks. I encourage you all to ensure that you are looking after yourselves, staying warm, sleeping and eating well and also getting plenty of fresh air as we buckle up for the colder months. 

Ongoing Staff Induction and Training

One of the things that I just love about MECS is the intentional investment of the board to ensure that our staff are well trained in Christian education. This is something that our school has invested in, literally from the start. This is different to other schools and something that MECS is known for. That training commences for new teaching staff from their first day and during the terms they have an allocated meeting time with me to discuss the ins and outs of Christian education. This provides great opportunities for learning and asking questions. MECS also partners with Christian Education National and the National Institute for Christian Education in doing this as well as possible. 

Simultaneous Story Reading Time

Our country has some great traditions and one of those is a time that is set aside each year for kindergartens and schools to have a story reading time, altogether, across the country. I had the privilege of sharing this time with our Possums and Koalas in kindergarten recently and shared with them the story of 'Truck Cat'. 

Ranges TEC Working Group

At times, the board sets up working groups to do some additional research, thinking or a project. Most recently, the board has set up a Ranges TEC Working Group to do some deep thinking and strategic planning around our Trade School for the years ahead. This is an exciting time for Ranges TEC as we get to think beyond tomorrow, to how this wonderful gift in education can continue to transform the lives of young people and others, into the future, offering fabulous pathways to trade skills and careers. 

MECS and Ranges TEC AGM

It was lovely to gather our Association together on 21 May for the annual general meeting. Although it was a speedy meeting, we had a great time together. Emma Allison shared devotions with us, modelling the devotional approach that the MECS staff are engaging with this year. Our strategic priorities were highlighted (look out for the vision document that is coming home to you soon), Rob took us through the financial highlights of 2024 and gave us an insight into this year, new association members were welcomed and Steven King and Allan Long were affirmed as board members. Thanks so much to our board for their commitment to our school and in particular to our Chair, Sue Goudswaard. 

Secondary and Primary Athletics

How awesome to see our secondary and primary school in sports action on the two athletic days. It was so heart warming to see the encouragement, joy and impressive sportsmanship shown on the two days. I am regularly delighted to see students pat each other on the back or give a kind word of support. Seeing young kids 'barrack' for their mates is just so special. Thanks to those parents who came out (especially on the soggier Friday) to support our students on and off the track! 

Primary GTs (Get Togethers)

One of my favourite things to do on a Thursday afternoon is to pop into our Primary GT (Get Togethers). Of particular note this past week, was our Senior Primary leaders who hosted the GT and needed minimal staff intervention or leadership. I was so impressed with the way our students capably led the gathering with confidence and kindness, being very attentive to the group and to the roles they had to carry out. I also deeply appreciated the respect by the other students that was being shown to them. If you are needing a bit of a pick up on a Thursday afternoon, come and experience the joy and fun of a primary GT! 

Shrek – Working Bee Preparation

There are plenty of glimmers of green around MECS as we get closer to the August performances of Shrek the Musical, brought to us by our Secondary school. Over the weekend a wonderful working bee was held which from all accounts was a fantastic community event. Look out for some additional dates for working bee fun as we get closer to seeing Shrek!   (See the Shrek the Musical page for some fun photos)

New Enrolments – Now and Next Year

Plenty of enrolment interviews are happening at the moment and what a joy it is to share with parents elements of school life at MECS! Please note that we are still interviewing for classes for 2026 and 2027 and also have opportunities for a mid-year intake in a number of classes as well. Share that news with your friends! 

Congratulations! 

I am delighted to announce the safe arrival of Sadie Holland Stein to her bursting with joy parents, Hayley and Jack Stein. Hayley is a much loved teacher at MECS and we have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of little Sadie. May God’s richest blessings be over the Stein family! 

Cheers,

Michelle