Principal's Ponderings

Wholehearted Beyond Our Borders

As a Christ-centred school community, there are moments that shape not just what we do, but who we are becoming. The upcoming Year 10 Philippines Trip is one of those moments.

In May, in the first two weeks of Term 2, a group of our students will step beyond the familiar rhythms of Devonport and into a world that will stretch their hearts, deepen their faith, and awaken their understanding of God’s global family. This is more than a trip, it is a calling. A calling to serve, to see, and to love wholeheartedly. 22 students and six DCS staff will be heading to the Philippines to Bacolod City, the island of 'Negros' to serve with MPFG - Mission Possible for Future Generations.

At the same time, a smaller group of our Year 10 students will also be stepping out in service closer to home, travelling to Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory to serve and bless Indigenous Australian communities, while some others serve locally here in Tassie.

Altogether, these experiences beautifully reflect the heart of who we are at DCS, a community that loves fully, serves freely, and looks beyond itself with open hands and willing hearts.

As Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

This journey has been prayerfully designed to grow hearts for service, helping students engage with communities, support local ministries, and participate in meaningful, hands-on experiences that reflect the love of Jesus in action. From serving alongside local churches, to connecting with children, to learning from communities whose stories are different from our own, our students will begin to see that the Kingdom of God is far bigger than their own world.

And yet, here is the beautiful paradox of mission. Some 25 years ago, I first had the privilege of travelling to an orphanage in Thailand, serving children living with AIDS. I went thinking I would make a difference. I went believing I had something to give. But what I discovered was this, I was the one changed. Their joy, their resilience, their courage in the face of hardship, it reshaped my perspective forever. It softened my heart, deepened my gratitude, and awakened something within me that has never left. I realised that when we step into places of need with open hands, God meets us there and does a deeper work within us than we could ever do ourselves.

This is the heart of wholehearted service. It is not about what we bring. It is about what God does through surrendered hearts.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” And again in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Our prayer is that these experiences, in the Philippines, Alice Springs, and locally, will ignite something lasting in our students. A compassion that goes beyond comfort. A faith that steps into action. A love that reflects Jesus not just in words, but in presence, humility, and service.

We are also deeply thankful for the strong planning, care, and safety structures surrounding these trips, ensuring that students are well supported as they travel, serve, and grow in unfamiliar environments . This gives us confidence as a community, knowing that while our students are stepping out, they are doing so with wisdom, preparation, and support.

Perhaps the invitation for all of us is this… Where is God calling us to live more wholeheartedly?

Micah 6:8 reminds us, “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Wholehearted living is not reserved for overseas trips. It begins in the everyday. In our homes, our classrooms, our conversations. But sometimes, God uses moments like these to awaken something new, to lift our eyes, and to remind us that we are part of a story far bigger than ourselves.

How We Can Partner Together in Prayer

As a community, we have the privilege of sending, supporting, and covering these teams in prayer:

• Pray for open hearts, that students would be deeply shaped by what they see and experience
• Pray for humility and unity, as they serve alongside others
• Pray for protection and health throughout all journeys
• Pray for bold faith, that students would see God at work and respond
• Pray for lasting impact, in the lives of those they serve and within their own hearts

Please mark your calendars and pray with our school and teams in preparation and during their travel. The Philippines trip will be leaving Tasmania on May 2nd (Flying out of Melbourne on May 3rd) and returning Wednesday May 13th. The Northern Territory trip will be leaving Tasmania on May 4th and returning May 14th. 

As we send these students and staff out, we do so with joy, with faith, and with expectation. Because a wholehearted life is not lived for ourselves alone, but for the glory of God and the good of others.

Shalom,

Chad