Student Wellbeing

Trusting God through seasons of change

As our wellbeing team enters a new season, I would love to take a moment to both acknowledge change and reflect with gratitude on the people who continue to care for and support our school community. One of the constants of life and schooling is that seasons shift, priorities evolve, and new chapters begin. While change can sometimes feel unsettling, it also brings opportunity, growth, and renewed perspective.

Our Junior School Counsellor, Georgia Akiki, will be taking maternity leave. Georgia has been such a valued part of our wellbeing team, offering care, wisdom, and compassion to many of our younger students. While we will certainly miss her presence during this time, we are genuinely excited for her as she steps into this special and life‑giving new chapter. We wish Georgia every blessing as she prepares to welcome her baby, and we look forward to her return in the future.

During Georgia’s leave, we are pleased to share that our existing counsellors, Jarrad Bigg and Mel Bachelor, will be expanding their roles. Both Jarrad and Mel will be taking on additional days and will be working across the Junior School as well as continuing their support in the Secondary School. Many students and families already know them well, and we are grateful for their willingness, flexibility, and commitment to walking alongside our community during this season. Their presence ensures continuity of care and ongoing access to wellbeing support for students across the school.

Change, even positive change, can be challenging. It often invites uncertainty, adjustment, and a period of transition. However, change also gives us the opportunity to pause and consider the lens through which we view what’s ahead. We may not always be able to control what happens around us, but we do have a choice in how we respond, what we focus on, and where we place our trust.

As another term draws to a close, we are reminded that many of our students are navigating important milestones. For our Year 12 students in particular, the end of their schooling journey is coming into sharper focus. This is often a season filled with mixed emotions, anticipation, pressure, excitement, and uncertainty, not just for students, but for families and staff as well. It is a powerful reminder that life is made up of seasons, each one preparing us for what comes next.

The beginning of a new year can also feel long and demanding. Long-term, busy schedules, assessments, commitments, and expectations can all add to a sense of fatigue. Yet, when we look back, we often realise that although the journey felt heavy at times, we did get through it. As a community, we continue to move forward together, one step at a time.

The world around us is undeniably busy and noisy. Young people today are growing up in a time where information, pressure, and uncertainty are constant companions. In the midst of this, it becomes even more important to stay grounded and to create moments of calm, reflection, and connection.

God is steady when everything else feels uncertain. He is present when we feel overwhelmed, tired, or unsure. In these moments, it’s worth gently asking ourselves: Where are our eyes focused? 

Who do we seek when things become difficult? 

What is our first response when we don’t know where else to turn?

Friendships, family, and community relationships play a vital role in providing comfort and support, especially in challenging times. These connections matter deeply. At the same time, we are reminded not to lose sight of the One who created us, knows us fully, and invites us to bring everything (our worries, questions, and hopes) to Him. 

God’s Word speaks life, truth, and reassurance, particularly when the path ahead feels unclear.

As we continue through into term 2 and look toward the seasons ahead, may we choose to meet change with grace, patience, and trust. May we support one another, extend kindness, and remember that we are not walking this journey alone.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”Psalm 46:1 (KJV)

Blessings,

Tash King

Director of Counselling