The Anchor

Principal's Report

As I complete my time at Endeavour, it is wonderful to reflect on the term theme, Grow.  I began as Principal of Endeavour College in the middle of 2008.  Whilst I had experience as a teacher, administrator and leader, I knew that in taking on the role of principal, I would need to keep learning and growing. This I did with the wonderful support of many people!

I learnt:

  • about the culture and life of the school through founding principal, Mike Leske’s vision
  • from existing staff members through their passion and dedication to the students
  • from the College Board (formerly Council) Chair its members and the Association
  • from those I worked alongside in management and administration
  • from the students as they contributed to their learning and engaged in activities beyond the classroom
  • from colleagues in other schools and places of learning
  • from challenges and disappointments

Growth is a natural part of all life.  We see this in our gardens, in our relationships, in the changes in the world and in our own lives.  My personal growth as a leader during my time at Endeavour has been significant.  In reflecting on this growth, three things stand out! 

The first is the JOY that this journey has brought me!  No day goes by without experiencing joy in the achievements, actions and service of those with whom I work, and in the delight of the students as they engage in their learning and growth.

The second is GRATITUDE.  I am filled with gratitude for those who have given me this opportunity to lead. To those who have supported me through the joyful and exciting times and the difficult times, I am eternally grateful.  Support comes in obvious and sometimes unexpected ways and my thanks go to parents, staff and students who have shared messages of encouragement, sent an email or shown support for the College through positive interactions. This has impacted on my growth and determination to persevere in a role in which I was called to serve.

 

The message of God’s GRACE is a key part of my growth. I have experienced God’s presence and grace in the many Chapels and Worships I have attended, in the meeting devotions and the daily staff devotional reflections. I have experienced grace through those with whom I have been privileged to work and met along the way. Working in a community where God’s grace is at work, is an honour and privilege that should never be taken for granted. This role would have been impossible without God’s grace, love and presence in my life. His forgiveness and hope provided the strength I have needed to be able to lead this wonderful place of learning. 

 

I have been privileged and blessed to be given the opportunity to serve this community over the past almost thirteen years.  I leave with many memories and a sense of achievement that comes with being part of a vibrant and connected community. For this I am extremely grateful!

 

Blessings to all students as they complete the year, and to the families that have supported the College during my time here. I particularly want to wish the Year 12s every success as they complete the year, our first Year 7 group to graduate. I also wish blessings for Peter Pearse who assumes the role of Principal for Term 2 whilst awaiting the appointment of a new principal.  The College is extremely well placed under the leadership of Peter and the other members of the Management Team. 

In other news, the College Board have, through the SA District of the Lutheran Church, called Pastor Joel Cramer to be the pastor at the College.  Joel currently serves the Salisbury Lutheran Congregation.  We ask that you pray for Joel and his family as he considers the plans God has for his service into the future. 

As the term draws to a close our thanks go to those staff leaving the College. We thank Richard Schomburgk for his dedication to our students, especially in Geography and English.  We wish him well as he enjoys life beyond work. Jason Urquhart has been our Lay Chaplain for the past year and has been instrumental in sharing Jesus’ love and grace with our staff and students during his time at the College. Jason has generously agreed to support his Year 12 MAX classes through to the end of Term 2. We wish him well as he explores new opportunities in the future. 

We also thank Gemma Colagiovanni for her leadership of the Year 8 cohort as Year Level Leader in Term 1. Gemma’s knowledge of the students and her assistance in supporting them as they transitioned from Year 7 has been a great blessing.  Simon Maddern returns next term to assume the leadership responsibilities in Year 8. Renae Brown also completes her time as a replacement for Simon Maddern, but returns in Term 2 to teach a different group of classes whilst Peter Pearse (Acting Principal), Gavin Marcus (Acting Deputy Principal) and Innika Ackerley (Acting Science Learning Leader) take up replacement positions in Term 2.

 

May God continue to grow and bless the Endeavour College community where staff and students develop skills for life and community.

 

Heather Vogt

Principal

 

 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15