Ulverstone Campus Principal 

As we reach the end of another busy and rewarding term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff and families for their commitment, support and partnership throughout Term 2. It has been a term filled with learning, growth, service, creativity and community, and I am continually encouraged by the way our students embrace opportunities to develop their God-given gifts and talents.

One of the highlights of the term was our MADE Night, which provided a wonderful showcase of student creativity, innovation and achievement. It was inspiring to see the students’ work displayed in the MPH, students performing on stage and students and their families enjoying the event. Events such as these remind us that education is about more than academic success. Education is about nurturing young people who are confident, capable, and prepared to contribute positively to the world around them. It is also about giving students opportunities to shine, and our MADE Night certainly did that.

The Year 9 Winter Sleepout was held on our school grounds in Week 9, and was both a challenging and meaningful experience for our students. Beyond spending a night outdoors, the sleepout encouraged students to reflect on the realities faced by many people in our community who experience hardship and homelessness. Experiences like these help develop empathy, gratitude, resilience, and a heart for serving others. These qualities lie at the centre of Christian education.

This week, our Year 10 students are enjoying Work Experience in various workplaces on the North West Coast. Work Experience is valuable in assisting students with future pathway decision-making and consequent subject selection or transitions to work.

Another significant highlight of this term is the Years 10–12 Mission Trip to Vanuatu. The excited students and staff departed Tasmania last Friday, with a stopover in Brisbane before arriving in Vanuatu on Saturday. As this group serves alongside the local community, they have the opportunity to put their faith into action through service, relationship-building and cultural learning. Mission experiences such as this are transformative, not only for those being served, but also for the students themselves. As they step outside their comfort zones, they gain a deeper understanding of God's heart for all people and learn the importance of compassion, humility, gratitude and servant leadership. We are incredibly proud of the way these students are representing our school and Christ, and we thank families for their support of this valuable opportunity. Please continue to keep the students, staff and the community they are working with in your prayers as they complete their time in Vanuatu and return home safely.

Throughout the term, countless other activities such as the Chess competition and sports days with Devonport Christian School, Brixhibition, Primary Learn to Swim, Cosy Day,  Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Bravehearts, Festival of Voices Trivia Night, Job Skills Expo and many more excursions, sporting events, performances, camps, and learning opportunities have enriched the lives of our students. These experiences would not be possible without the dedication of our staff and the ongoing support of our families. Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the life of our school.

As we now enter the school holiday period, I encourage every family to embrace the gift of rest. In our often busy and demanding lives, it can be easy to move from one activity to the next without taking time to pause. Yet throughout Scripture, we are reminded of God's rhythm of work and rest. After creation, God rested on the seventh day, establishing a pattern that reminds us of our need to stop, reflect, refresh and reconnect with Him and with one another.

The holidays provide an important opportunity for students to recharge physically, emotionally and spiritually. While there is certainly value in maintaining routines and continuing to read and learn, there is also great value in slowing down, enjoying family time, exploring God's creation, sharing meals together, and creating space for play, meaningful conversations and reflection.

Research consistently reminds us that rest and healthy relationships are vital for wellbeing, learning and resilience. More importantly, as Christians, we know that true rest is found not only in taking a break from our work, but also in placing our trust in God and finding peace in His presence.

As Matthew 11:28 reminds us: 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

My prayer is that the coming weeks will be a time of refreshment, joy and renewal for every member of our school community.

Thank you again for a wonderful term. We look forward to welcoming students back refreshed, ready to learn, and excited for the opportunities ahead in Term 3.

May God bless you and your family during the holiday break.

Warm regards,

Katrina McNab

Ulverstone Campus Principal